A STEAM rally that raises thousands of pounds for charities could be hit by major roadworks it is feared.Organisers of the Henham Steam Rally have urged visitors to allow more time for their journeys as the roadworks scheme on the A12 will coincide with this weekend's event.
A STEAM rally that raises thousands of pounds for charities could be hit by major roadworks it is feared.
Organisers of the Henham Steam Rally have urged visitors to allow more time for their journeys as the roadworks scheme on the A12 will coincide with this weekend's event.
This year is the 30th anniversary of the steam rally, which will be held at a new venue, Benacre Park, beside the A12 in Wrentham.
Thousands of visitors are expected over the two days, but organisers fear many could be caught up in traffic problems as Suffolk County Council will be continuing its A12 maintenance at Farnham and Stratford St Andrew.
As a result of this work, the A12 will be closed to through traffic from Woodbridge to Benhall.
Traffic will be diverted via the A1152 through Melton and Eyke and the B1069 at Bentwaters and Tunstall, joining the A1094 at Snape, before following the A1094 back to the A12 at Benhall.
Roger King, of the steam rally organising committee, said: "We contacted the county council to see if the work could be moved to another weekend, but this was not possible.
"We would ask all those coming to the rally from the Ipswich area to allow more time for their journey and follow the diversion routes."
As well as the parade of steam engines and working steam demonstrations there will be hundreds of other vintage vehicles on parade, including cars, motorcycles, tractors, commercial and military vehicles.
The rally is open from 10am to 6pm with admission costing £5 on Saturday and £6 on Sunday with accompanied children under 14 free. Car parking is also free and all profits go to local charities.
A spokeswoman for Suffolk County Council said it was essential that the resurfacing and maintenance work on the A12 was carried out.
She said: "The roadworks have been specifically timed to avoid the busy summer tourist season and programmed for the weekends to avoid weekday traffic peaks.
"We would also ask that all motorists understand the position and allow more time for their journeys."
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