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20 April 2026

Freeport East publishes Transport Masterplan

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Freeport East publishes Transport Masterplan

Freeport East has published its transport masterplan – a prioritised programme of transport interventions spanning road, rail, bus, active travel and digital integration.

The masterplan, published in partnership with Transport East, sets out improvements designed to supercharge the region’s role in driving the UK’s economic growth.

Developed with Transport East and local authority transport teams, the 14 projects identified within the masterplan include:

  • Rail: upgrades to the Ely and Haughley junctions, electrification of the Ipswich line to the Port of Felixstowe, and improvements to passenger services on the Colchester-Clacton and Ipswich-Cambridge routes
  • Road: improvements to major routes including the A120 corridor from Harwich to London Stansted Airport, the Orwell Crossing near Ipswich, and the A14 Copdock Interchange
  • Local & Innovation: Enhancing local transport connections through technology integration, particularly linking Felixstowe, Harwich and Shotley, alongside other targeted active travel options around the Freeport’s tax sites
Picture: Freeport East

The masterplan highlights how targeted public investment can unlock growth, building on investment driven by the private sector.

Steve Beel, CEO at Freeport East, said: “Freeport East was created to boost trade and investment, higher-paying jobs and wider sustainable growth, and we believe that productivity comes from connectivity. With the Government’s Industrial Strategy placing us at the heart of the UK’s economic ambitions, now is the right time to clearly set out our transport priorities.

“The 14 priority investments we’ve identified today will guide our focus over the coming months and years.  We know that we will need to be creative in developing the funding plans to bring these to fruition but believe we have the right strategic perspective and partnerships to make that happen.

“This masterplan gives Government, local authorities, and industry a clear plan of where investment will make the greatest difference for communities, supply chains, and the UK’s position as a trading nation.”

Andrew Summers, Chief Executive at Transport East, added: “We are pleased to work with Freeport East to support the development of this ambitious transport masterplan, which clearly demonstrates the power of partnership in unlocking the East’s full potential to drive national growth.

“The East contributes £94 billion in GVA and supports 1.7 million jobs, making it one of the UK’s fastest growing and most productive regions. This masterplan reflects Transport East’s strategic priorities, aligning investment with the region’s strengths to supply, power and feed the nation, while making a compelling case for the enhanced transport infrastructure needed for the Freeport to realise its full benefits.

“We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with Freeport East to deliver our shared ambitions and ensure the East not only succeeds but thrives in the years ahead.”

Find out more and read the masterplan in full