A report reveals A14 and Orwell Bridge delays threaten Suffolk businesses, risking costs and job losses.
Suffolk: Business leaders are worried about delays on the A14. They say these delays could hurt the local economy badly.
A report from Suffolk’s Chamber of Commerce highlights the serious costs of constant A14 and Orwell Bridge closures. It surveyed 350 businesses to gather their views.
The report, titled ‘Broken Down: the economic impact of the A14 in Suffolk’, shows that 87% of businesses faced negative effects from A14 closures in the past year.
Many businesses reported increased costs, with some facing up to £80,000 a year. Others struggled with client retention and staff issues, like childcare costs.
Paul Simon from the chamber stressed the need for quick action. He fears companies might leave Suffolk if these issues aren’t addressed.
He mentioned that 84% of businesses find the Orwell Bridge crucial for their operations. Constant closures disrupt their work and cause chaos.
Many worry about the future of the road network. If improvements aren’t made soon, businesses might cut back on investments and jobs.
Local MPs are also concerned. They believe the A14 is vital for the economy, especially for the Port of Felixstowe and Sizewell C.
Short-term solutions include improving rail junctions to reduce truck traffic. The chamber wants better management of road closures, too.
Medium-term plans involve sending officers to major incidents on the A14. Long-term, they want a taskforce to look into road capacity issues.
MPs agree that fixing the Orwell Bridge is essential. They stress the need for a Northern Bypass to ease traffic problems.
They warn that without action, the situation will worsen. Businesses like Maersk might move away, costing jobs and hurting the economy.
Local leaders emphasize the importance of a reliable road network. They believe investment in the A14 and Orwell Bridge is crucial for the region’s future.
