A busy area near Cardinal Park in Ipswich is set for 15 weeks of roadworks as Anglian Water replaces sewer pipes.

Work on the project in Grafton Way and Commercial Road is set to start on Monday, February 4 and is expected to cause huge disruption to traffic in the area.

The project, an £800,000 scheme, is designed to upgrade the pipes and reduce the future risk of flooding in the area.

The work will see a lane closure in Commercial Road and temporary traffic lights in Grafton Way.

Regan Harris, from Anglian Water, said: “We know that this vital upgrade work may cause disruption for local people and road users, and we’re sorry about this.

“There are lots of other utility services already in the footpaths and highway, so to ensure the safe installation of the new sewer pipe, our only option is to install the pipe by using open cut trenches.

“Our team will be working hard to complete the work as quickly as possible and get things back to normal for residents and road users.

“We would like to thank road users, residents and businesses for their patience while we complete this vital work and apologise for any disruption it may cause.

“We hope that people understand how important this work is and that its benefits will outweigh any temporary inconvenience.”

The water company previously installed 200 metres worth of pipe outside Ipswich railway station in 2017, the first stage of its plan to refurbish the sewer network in the area.

Ms Harris said: “In order for the scheme to be completed, traffic management will be in place to allow our teams to work safely on what is a busy road in the area.

“The initial phase of the works will see a lane closure in Commercial Road.

“This will be followed by two-way traffic lights in Grafton Way.

“The slip road from Commercial Road to Princes Street will also be closed temporarily, however a full diversion route will be in effect.”

As well as the lane closures, further traffic management will be put in place in Princes Street and Ranelagh Road.

Electronic signage will also be installed to guide motorists around the roadworks.

For updates on the scheme, see here.