Sudbury Relief Road
There has been a long running debate in the market town of Sudbury regarding the large number of HGVs which are driving through the town causing damage to medieval buildings, pollution and congestion. The proposal to address this issue comes in the form of a Western Bypass which will cut across countryside, including the local water meadows and farmland, and skirt the outer edge of the town.
In March this year a report was published entitled Sudbury Relief Road: Strategic Outline Business Case which details the issues and arguments surrounding the debate. The photographs below have been taken to support both the arguments for and against the building of the new road.
For:
“HGVs passing too close to overhanging buildings cause damage.”
“HGVs will often take up the entire road in narrower places.”
“Cars have to mount the pavement when HGVs pass.”
“Pollution from heavy traffic leaves buildings covered in black grit and dust.”
“HGVs pass too close to old buildings causing much damage.”
“HGVs make congestion worse on Sudbury’s narrow streets.”
“HGVs exacerbate the congestion issues in the town centre.”
Against:
“Narrow country lanes, such as this one near Belchamp Water, will be gone if a bypass is built.”
“The water meadows are a flood plain and much of them, including this part, are underwater during parts of the winter.”
“A bypass across this land would not just ruin the view but have a knock-on effect on local wildlife in this unique ecosystem.”
“Whichever route the new bypass was to take, it would need to cross The Valley Walk thus spoiling a popular attraction and recreation area.”
“The main route taken by HGVs from the A131 has little or no traffic at weekends and so should not affect tourism.”
“The town centre has already lost shops which have moved out to the retail park on the edge of town. The construction of a bypass would lead to less through traffic and more shops moving out of town or closing.”
“Local traffic and roadworks on almost every road in and out of the town centre create the majority of congestion in Sudbury.”
Context & Narrative 