First stage plans to improve junctions on the A12 between the A14 Seven Hills and the A1152 Woods Lane have been revealed, and members of the public are encouraged to have their say.

A new section of dualled road and improved walking, cycling and public transport facilities are proposed by the Highways Authority, Suffolk County Council following a comprehensive analysis of traffic movements and traffic demand impacts at the junctions.

The results from the analysis indicate that a number of the A12 junctions will be over capacity and subject to significant congestion in future years. This is also associated with planned growth and development in the area. The improvement works proposed for the stretch of major road will help to mitigate the impacts and create an improved environment for walking, cycling and public transport use.

Andrew Reid, Suffolk County Council's Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Rural Affairs, said: "This is a really important scheme, which will not only improve journey times and help boost the county's economic growth; it will also create a safe and resilient road network for all its users.

"I'd encourage people to take time to get involved. To read the consultation information and provide us with their feedback. It's important people have their say so we can move forward to the next stage and develop the best possible scheme."

The consultation is open from 10am on Tuesday 9th February 2021 until midnight on Friday 19th March 2021. Members of the public can find out more information on the proposals and take part by visiting www.suffolk.gov.uk/A12improvements or by calling 0345 603 1842

Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, it is not possible for Suffolk County Council to hold face-to-face public meetings. Instead two virtual questions and answers events will be held online on Thursday 11 February 2021 at 6pm and Wednesday 3 March 2021 at 6pm. Members of the public can access the events by visiting www.suffolk.gov.uk/A12improvements

Councillor Sarah Adams, leader of the opposition Labour Group said: "I welcome any proposals that would help reduce congestion in and around Ipswich and deliver better walking, cycling and bus routes for local residents.

"However, this also feels like a missed opportunity. While the plans propose improvements to a relatively short stretch of existing dual carriageway, huge lengths of the A12 are still single track. We need a comprehensive upgrade to improve our key transport links between Ipswich, Felixstowe, and Lowestoft to fully unlock East Suffolk's economic potential."

Funding for the project still needs to be secured. The results of the consultation will be presented as part of an Outline Business Case to the Department for Transport in the Summer. If approved and funding is agreed, further engagement with members of the public and stakeholders to finalise the plans for the improvement works will take place.

Work would begin on site in 2023 and be completed by the end of 2025.