TRAFFIC chaos looms in Ipswich when the Suffolk Show comes to town as police warn visitors to next week's event to be prepared for delays.Thousands of people flock to the showground for the two-day countryside spectacular – but, as last year showed, bring gridlock in their wake.

TRAFFIC chaos looms in Ipswich when the Suffolk Show comes to town as police warn visitors to next week's event to be prepared for delays.

Thousands of people flock to the showground for the two-day countryside spectacular – but, as last year showed, bring gridlock in their wake.

Organisers and police are anxious to avoid the traffic congestion last year, although officers say some delays are inevitable due to the volume of traffic expected at the event on Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 May.

Inspector Alex Morrison asked motorists to be prepared for possible queues and urged drivers to follow the specified routes.

"We would ask that visitors, and motorists using routes around the showground, be prepared for some delay.

"New traffic arrangements and entrance widening will hopefully minimise problems but, with the amount of people heading to the show, traffic is likely to be slow moving and we would request that everyone exercise some courtesy and patience.

"We would also ask that motorists follow the routes directed and comply with any requests from police or show stewards."

Motorists approaching from Woodbidge are being encouraged to use the Bucklesham village route, while those approaching from the west along the A14 should come off as the Seven Hills roundabout (A12 from Woodbridge/A14 to Felixstowe junction) where show traffic will be asked to keep in the right hand lane on the slip road off the A14 and then to use two lanes around the roundabout itself, and along into the showground.

Traffic from Ipswich will be encouraged to make use of new arrangements along Bucklesham Road to access Gate 4, while those approaching from Felixstowe should follow signing off the A14 prior to the Seven Hills junction. Showgoers are being asked to follow these routes in reverse when leaving the showground, with two lanes of traffic flowing from Gate 10 back to the Seven Hills interchange.

"Visitors also need to be prepared for any unforeseen delays, such as accidents, and bear in mind that police will do all they can to get things moving again as quickly as possible," said Inspector Morrison.

"The new measures have been designed to try to ease problems for both visitors and residents who are not going to the show, and if people stay on the designated routes we hope to keep everyone moving. We also hope local radio will be able to give regular updates as to the traffic situation to keep everyone informed on the day."

www.suffolkshow.co.uk