Drivers facing delays as road works begin

IPSWICH: Road users were today warned to expect weeks of disruption as the re-modelling of the Duke Street roundabout begins in earnest.

From Monday, drivers will face delays as the multi-million pound project gets under way.

The work will see Duke Street roundabout removed and replaced with a new junction with traffic lights.

The first phase of development will see the closure of Pownall Road as a new junction on to Fore Hamlet is created.

During the next phase, Duke Street will be closed for eight weeks and Back Hamlet for six week. The closures will take effect on July 25.

Phase three will see traffic signals installed at the junction of Back Hamlet and Foxhall Road and a bus lane will be built down Bishops Hill. No road closures are planned for this phase.

When work on the �3.5million project is finished, access into Back Hamlet will be for eastbound traffic only – vehicles heading towards the town along Foxhall Road will have to head on to Grove Lane and Woodbridge Road.

A spokesman for Suffolk County Council warned drivers their journeys would be extended as a result of the works.

“The new layout will provide better traffic control, bus priority measures and safe pedestrian and cycle facilities,” he said.

“Diversion routes will be signed and drivers are advised to add a little extra time for their journeys during the construction works because although we will do our best to keep disruption to a minimum, delays may occur particularly during peak times.”

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