The construction of the Eastern Gateway business park remains on track for completion in 2026, with hundreds of new jobs already created, and hundreds more to follow in a massive boost for the local economy.
Final works include the building of a new roundabout, and cycle and pedestrian routes on Sproughton Road from January 2026.
Ipswich Borough Council and building and civil engineering firm, Brooks & Wood, are working in partnership to construct the roundabout in order to provide safe access in and out of the Eastern Gateway site as requested by the Babergh District Council Planning Department.
An agreement has been reached with the Network Assurance team from Suffolk County Council Highways for manned two-way traffic lights to operate on Sproughton Road between the railway bridge and the entrance to Farthing Road Industrial Estate from 5th January 2026 to 12th June 2026. The temporary traffic lights will be manned between 06:30 and 19:00 in order to maintain traffic movement. Overnight road closures will also take place from 25th May until 29th May between 21:00 to 05:00.
Councillor Neil MacDonald, Leader, Ipswich Borough Council, says:
“We are immensely proud of all the hard work that has gone into developing the Eastern Gateway hub, from 130 acres of land being acquired in December 2014 to the final construction phase ending in 2026, our goal has always been to stimulate economic growth and create new job opportunities for residents and businesses.
“We apologise for any inconvenience that may be caused and are making every effort to minimise disruption around the Sprougton Road area. These temporary traffic management measures are necessary to keep everyone safe whilst construction work takes place. If anyone has any questions or queries about the Eastern Gateway, the project team will do their upmost to address them.”
Ipswich Borough Council will make direct contact with all businesses located on Sproughton Road that will be affected by the works in order to ensure that safe access can be maintained as required. Any questions regarding the temporary traffic lights and road closures, can be sent via email to eastern.gateway@ipswich.gov.uk.