HIGHWAYS chiefs say they are going to forge ahead in developing a robust and more resilient road network for Suffolk.

A root and branch review will assess the transport network, identify what needs to be done to strengthen it, then establish what the next steps should be to achieve this.

The move comes after Suffolk County Council agreed on July 10 to commit to a range of measures and calling for the government commitment to support and fund improving key transport infrastructure.

This included resolving that a northern by-pass, or other interventions, for Ipswich should be built and to re-examine the best possible route for it.

 Councillors voted for the package after weeks of heavy congestion in and around Ipswich caused by major repair works to the A14 Orwell Bridge highlighted the fragility of the existing road system.

Cllr Chris Chambers, Suffolk County Council Cabinet member for Transport Strategy, said: "Suffolk has been on the backburner of too many governments for far too long. This county is crying out for investment in its transport infrastructure.

"A northern by-pass for Ipswich alone is not going to be the solution – it may be part of it but there are other things that need to be done as well if we are to tackle the congestion that is shackling the movement of people and goods.

"We need a transport network that is fit for purpose and the aim of this review is to see how that can be best developed."

The review will examine what is actually needed and where, examining areas such as the Orwell Bridge and the A14 corridor, Port of Felixstowe, the Sizewell power stations, and the need to upgrade the Ely/Haughley rail junction.

Future housing needs, funding options, developing a business case to present to the government, and the role the future Mayor for Norfolk and Suffolk will also feature, as will issues such as cross-party political support, and how to reach an agreed position for any future administration following local government reform which will see Suffolk County Council replaced by one or more unitary authorities.

Cllr Chambers has sent an open letter to the Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander MP calling for talks about the need for strategic investment in Suffolk's transport infrastructure.

The letter can be read on the Suffolk County Council website

However on July 9 Ms Alexander announced that in the government's next five year funding cycle there would be no money to upgrade the Ely-Haughley rail junction.

This scheme is widely recognised as being key to getting freight from Port of Felixstowe off the A14 and on to rail, freeing up freeing up capacity on the road network.

The council says it will continue to call for the scheme to be included in the next available round of government funding.