Work to permanently remove traffic lights on a busy roundabout in Kesgrave will begin on Monday, following a successful trial switch-off at the end of last year.
The Ropes Drive West traffic lights connecting Ropes Drive with the A1214 is one of the main routes between Ipswich and Martlesham, and a trial switch-off in November and December recorded a reduction in build up by more than 50%.
The lights have been permanently off since the trial and on Monday five evenings of work will begin to take the lights out.
Robert Whiting, Suffolk county councillor for Kesgrave, said: “The removal of this collection of traffic lights on the roundabout has demonstrated that small changes can radically improve traffic flows.
“This junction critically impacts on the quality of life of Kesgrave residents and I am pleased to have made a positive difference.
“However, I am well aware that with increasing volumes of traffic, this is just the beginning of sorting out the issues in and around Grange Farm which need to be addressed as soon as possible.”
Work will take place for five days from Monday, working between 7.30pm-5.30am to reduce disruption. Temporary traffic signals, operated manually, will manage traffic but the road will be closed overnight between Bell Lane and Ropes Drive on November 24 for resurfacing.
James Finch, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for highways, said: “Based on the data from the trial it was deemed appropriate to permanently turn off the lights at the roundabout on Ropes Drive, Kesgrave. Removing the signals and signage, along with the resurfacing of the roads, highlights our commitment to ensuring the county’s busiest roads are maintained to the best possible standards.
“We apologise that there will be disruption caused by the works but we will be doing all we can to keep the disruption to an absolute minimum.”
The initial trial, funded by Suffolk county councillors Robert Whiting and Christopher Hudson, and Kesgrave Town Council, follows a similar test in 2008 at the Ropes Drive East roundabout, which prompted the lights to be permanently removed from there.
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