For the first time, Woodbridge will be hosting the event’s start on Tuesday (September 2) and the town’s mayor Nigel Phipps is advising those commuting to work, visitors and residents not to use their car before 1pm.
He said many streets in the town’s historic centre will be closed, along with car parks at the station and Deben Leisure Centre in Station Road as thousands of spectators are expected to descend on the town.
Woodbridge mayor Nigel Phipps has asked for people to se foot, bike or train to get around Woodbridge when the Tour comes (Image: Woodbridge Town Council) READ MORE: Southwold mayor “delighted” to be end of stage one
Mr Phipps said the town was “honoured” to have been chosen to host the first stage of the national event, which will start at the top of Quay Street before heading out of town passed the Shire Hall, up Burkitt Road and then out to Great Bealings.
“It should be a really enjoyable morning for all if we can avoid traffic gridlock.
“The A12 and the roads through Woodbridge are likely to be subject to significant delays during the morning and access will be essential for emergency vehicles,” Mr Phipps added.
The Tour of Britain finished in Felixstowe in September 2024 (Image: SW Pix) However, he expected traffic to start building up from Saturday (August 30) as there is a “pedal and picnic” Sportive event in the town on Sunday (August 31).
“So please, if you can get around on foot, bicycle and train this will help to make it more enjoyable for everyone,” he said.
Both the first and second stages of the tour will be taking place in Suffolk, with the first stage including Wickham Market, Aldeburgh, Saxmundham, Framlingham, Leiston, Halesworth, Bungay and Beccles.
The second stage will start and finish in Stowmarket on Wednesday, September 3 and will be hosted by Mid Suffolk District Council and Babergh District Council.
In September 2024, Suffolk hosted the sixth and final stage of the tour, which started in Lowestoft and finished in Felixstowe.