Proposals for new Ipswich crossings of the River Orwell

[phatcat1]

Apologies if everyone is aware of the following, or it has been posted before. I haven't been on the forum for some months.


I have just seen proposals for new crossings of the River Orwell and the RYA are looking for responses so as to put forward a case from a sailing point of view.
It seems that it is mostly concerning removing traffic chaos in the town and on the A14 that's possibly a good thing but it seems that it would seriously impede water borne traffic into Ipswich Haven Marina. Although it is proposed that some form of lifting bridge is installed it seems obvious that road traffic would have a very high priority and opening times for boats would be limited, this could have an effect on whether to make a visit to Ipswich or not.

The document can be found at www.suffolk.gov.uk/upperorwellcrossings

If you do want to make a response the initial consultation period from Suffolk Council is 1st July to 12th August 2016 although I have seen an email from the legal department at the RYA saying they would like everything before the 5th August.

I feel we need to make known our fears as it is a fore-runner to a similar scheme in Lowestoft.

 

[Burnham Bob]

The site says that Crossing A will have enough clearance for most boats and that only larger craft will need a bridge swing. There isn't much detail on the site though.

 

[Burnham Bob]

I am the Eastern Region Planning and Environmental Coordinator for the RYA (it's a voluntary post and I applied thinking I'd at least get a peaked cap and an armband but no such luck.)

I've emailed the Council asking for details of the air draught of the new Crossing A at high tide springs. Once the reply comes back - they say to allow a week - I'll post it. Consultation ends August 12th although the RYA do want an idea before the 5th.

 

[Mel]

I think that the crossing at position B may also disrupt operations in the New Cut West where Debbage's have run mooring facilities for yachts for decades. The video is not at all clear about the nature of the crossing nor the precise position.

 

[DennisF]

I think that the crossing at position B may also disrupt operations in the New Cut West where Debbage's have run mooring facilities for yachts for decades. The video is not at all clear about the nature of the crossing nor the precise position.

There is a better description of the positions for option B here:
http://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/new_100m_wet_dock_bridge_could_boost_ipswich_s_economy_1_4378564

It looks as though the bridge would run from Felaw Street so Debbage could lose a bit of their pontoon space :-(

 

[sailorman]

There is a better description of the positions for option B here:
http://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/new_100m_wet_dock_bridge_could_boost_ipswich_s_economy_1_4378564

It looks as though the bridge would run from Felaw Street so Debbage could lose a bit of their pontoon space :-(

I like the "could boost"