Delivering sustainable infrastructure in Suffolk: Europa Way Link Road

Client: Suffolk County Council
Duration: September 2024- March 2025

Situation

Suffolk County Council commissioned M Group Highways to build the Europa Way Link Road to the west of Ipswich town centre.

The project aimed to alleviate longstanding traffic congestion in the villages of Bramford and at the Bramford Road Sproughton Road junction, improving sustainable transport links for walking and cycling and support protecting the environment within the area.

Challenge

We were tasked to deliver a comprehensive new link road that would not only address the immediate challenge of congestion but also support the council’s commitment to sustainability and community connectivity. This included:

• Construction of a new carriageway and associated infrastructure.
• Installation of cycling and walking provisions.
• Integration of sustainable drainage solutions.
• Coordination of extensive utility diversions and environmental mitigation.

Solution

Early engagement and collaborative planning: Our team engaged through Early Contractor Involvement (ECI), working closely with our client and the design team to develop an efficient phased plan. Working with the Network Assurance team, we identified and coordinated with other scheduled works within the area, minimising disruption for road users and residents. 

Innovative engineering and sustainability: When looking into materials for the embankment construction, the team held a risk reduction meeting with the client to find a sustainable solution. An innovative approach was introduced, using Incinerator Bottom Ash Aggregate (IBAA), a low-carbon recycled product, reducing both carbon footprint and cost. 

Value engineering: Key aspects of the delivery programme included building a two-way carriageway, a new mini roundabout, shared-use footways/ cycleways, SuDS for surface water, streetlighting, and landscaping. Throughout the programme, we introduced value engineering solutions, such as reusing existing road subbase and modifying the asphalt specification to reduce road closure duration. 

Utility coordination: By pinpointing and confirming the location of potable water and fibre supply, the need for major utility diversions was avoided, returning more than £160,000 in cost savings for our client. We also co-ordinated with utility companies completing their works in proximity, to reduce overall impact to the public through collaboration and shared road space.

Stakeholder and community engagement: Our team kept in frequent communication with stakeholders throughout the project, engaging with Network Rail, local authorities, emergency services and the community via briefings, regular newsletters and a dedicated email inbox. We also worked with our ecological advisors to plan protection for possible reptile habitats, including the safe handling of biohazardous waste and asbestos.

Result

Delivering the project both ahead of schedule and on budget, we were able to reduce carbon emissions by 28, 249 kg, removing 30 lorry movements and saving 748 tonnes of primary resources. This was mainly achieved by using IBAA, the first time this has been used on our client’s network.

We also generated a significant amount of social value throughout the project, supporting the community where we worked. Through our commitment to social value and protecting the environment, we received strong positive feedback from local stakeholders.

This project, and its results, highlights best practice in proactive measures, regular communication and technical excellence, resulting in efficient and effective project delivery. This project is an example of how we can build sustainable infrastructure across Suffolk in future. 

I was delighted to see this significant infrastructure project completed ahead of schedule and on budget, which is a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in the project.

Europa Way is not only alleviating congestion in the surrounding roads but also provides safer, greener transport options for all with the provision of cycle and footways, supporting our ambition for Ipswich to be a more sustainable and connected town.

Since the road opened, we have received positive feedback from the local community and highway users who have benefitted from improved traffic flow as a direct result of the new infrastructure.”

Councillor Paul West, Suffolk County Council Cabinet Member for Operational Highways