Suffolk Council still looking to upgrade Thrasher roundabout

The roundabout, also known as Ravenswood roundabout, is a key junction in Ipswich connecting Nacton Road, Ravenswood and the A1189 just as traffic heads into the A14. 

However, delays and accidents are a common occurrence in the area, because of which Suffolk County Council had tried to make a £5m funding bid to improve the roundabout in 2020.

Read more: Road closures planned for key Ipswich roundabout

However, due to changes in national funding avenues, the proposal was never approved and has been left in limbo ever since. 

A county council spokesperson said: "The Levelling Up bid was focused on reopening the Bury Road Park and Ride and the two Wet Dock pedestrian bridges in Ipswich.

"The Thrasher Roundabout didn’t meet the criteria for the fund. Suffolk County Council still has ambitions to improve the junction, however, additional funding is required."

The bid would have helped the county council to add traffic lights, repaint the road surfaces, and make adjustments to the connection to the A14.

Some have complained regarding the upkeep of the island in the middle of the roundabout. (Image: Archant)

Residents today are still hoping to repaint the lanes above all.  

A resident said: "There are near misses most days due to faded lane markings and people thinking they can use any lane and hope for the best."

Another resident said: "If they opened up Ravenswood, it would ease some of the congestion that's forced to go down Nacton Road to the roundabout."

The bid in 2020 was made to the Pinch Point fund to improve the roundabout due to its congestion rates. 

Then-MP Tom Hunt had also made a statement at the House of Commons asking Transport Secretary Grant Shapps to look at the proposal favourably. 

The county council are still looking to fund the development but needs national funding to help them upgrade the junction.