Highways chiefs have defended an eleventh hour decision to close one of the busiest routes into Ipswich town centre during this morning’s peak rush hour period – so investigation work can take place into a depression in the road.

A large stretch of Spring Road, between Cauldwell Hall Road and St Helen’s Street, was closed in both directions from 8am today, nearly a week after the problem was first discovered.

Long queues built up on roads into town from east Ipswich, which were compounded by an apparent failure of temporary traffic lights at the Cauldwell Hall Road junction.

Suffolk County Council has said workers have visited the site and a ‘camera survey’ took place on Saturday, however the results of that were inconclusive.

Officials said last night that it was vital investigations took place, however questions were asked about why the road has had to be closed during one of the busiest travel periods.

One reader on the Ipswich Star website said: “Why can’t it be done overnight?”

However, another reader added: “Massive snarl ups tomorrow, but it has to be done, everybody, get your cycles out.”

A spokesman for the county council said it was vital work takes place however it was admitted that the duration of the investigation work will not be known until it gets under way.

He added: “It’s imperative that we carry out an investigation into this road defect as soon as possible, our contractors are aware of the urgency and will work quickly in carrying out the investigation and identifying the issues.

“The safety of the public is our paramount concern, and it is vital that we ensure the surface of the road is up to a safe standard before allowing the public to use it again.”

A diversion will be put in place through Cauldwell Hall Road, Foxhall Road and Grove Lane.

For up-to-date progress on the work, visit www.ipswichstar.co.uk throughout the day.