Suffolk authority has already spent 拢8m but now says it cannot afford proposed crossings
Suffolk council is set to scrap plans for construction of a trio of bridges designed by Foster + Partners after failing to secure enough funding.
The original cost for three bridges crossing the River Orwell at Ipswich had been 拢97m but a report by engineer Jacobs said the real price could reach 拢140m.
The council appealed to potential other funders including the transport department, the Treasury and local businesses to raise the extra cash.
But despite a 拢78m pledge from the transport department, and 拢19m from locals 鈥� on top of 拢11m put forward by the council 鈥� officials at the local authority have now asked cabinet to axe the scheme.
The council, which has already spent 拢8m on the project, says it will pursue two small crossings at the Orwell instead.
Councillor Matthew Hicks said: 鈥淚t is very disappointing that we have been unable to secure any additional funding for the Upper Orwell Crossings and that the existing project will have to stop with immediate effect.鈥�
Cabinet will formally make a decision on the scheme on 29 January.
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