Concerns raised over A1088 Bridge Farm Bridge repairs in Stowlangtoft as diverted traffic use Kiln Lane as unofficial detour
A resident has raised concerns over rat-running as motorists use his road as an unofficial detour to avoid ongoing roadworks.
Repair works on the A1088 Bridge Farm Bridge in Stowlangtoft began on Monday, July 22 and is expected to continue until Friday, December 20 and has led to a surge of traffic in Kiln Lane in the village, which is not part of Suffolk Highways' official diversion route.
With the road shut for 127 more days, Victor Lovesdale, 70, has voiced his frustration over the situation, highlighting the damage to the road and the increasing danger posed by the high volume of traffic.
He said: “The road signage at the top of the road is completely and utterly ignored.
“I have complained multiple times about just how dangerous it is and have suggested that some form of traffic control is absolutely essential.
“When I suggested that temporary traffic lights should be installed, I got a reply to say the lane was too narrow for install traffic lights.
“I was left incredulous. All of us residents know just how narrow the lane is. If it’s too narrow for lights, it’s too narrow for all this traffic - full stop.”
Mr Lovesdale, who works as a pharmacist and has lived in Kiln Lane for 37 years, said the grass verges on either side of the road are being destroyed with the amount of vehicles and he believes the road is beginning to crumble away, with any existing potholes growing in size.
However, his primary concern is the growing danger of the road which he says has worsened in just under a month since the works began.
With four months still remaining, he fears how the road will handle winter weather and increased school traffic when the term resumes.
“It has become so dangerous,” he said. “Especially with drivers who are just following their Sat Nav who are not from the area.
“It’s not all motorists by any means, but it only takes one speeding driver to cause a serious accident - and I’m amazed it hasn’t happened yet.
“Then, heaven forbid there was accident, I’m not sure how emergency vehicles could actually get down here very quickly. We’re talking about the difference between life and death here.
“It’s awful and I know a lot my neighbours feel the same way. Come wet weather, the grass verges will be an absolute quagmire and we just feel like no one really cares.”
Suffolk Highways has sought to address the issues in Kiln Lane with additional signage and advisory speed limits to deter motorists from using the road.
However, the authority does not have the power to stop motorists from using the road.
A spokesperson for Suffolk Highways said: “We have been made aware of concerns regarding the use of Kiln Lane as an unofficial diversion route whilst the A1088 closure is in place.
“The road will be inspected during and following the bridge replacement to ensure that repairs can be ordered for any defects which meet our intervention level.
“Although we are unable to stop vehicles from deviating from our official diversion and using minor roads instead, we encourage highway users to be considerate to the local community when choosing an alternative route.”
The official diversion route can be seen here and it takes motorists via the A1088, A14, A143 and vice versa. A detailed map can be found here.
Temporary advisory speed limits of 20mph and 30mph are in place on several routes in the area including Fen Road and The Street in Pakenham, The Street through Stowlangtoft and Hunston, Hunston Road in Badwell Ash as well as Badwell Road and The Causeway in Walsham-le-Willows.
Last week, the owner of Designs on Metal, a blacksmithing company based in Ixworth Road, said the road closure has severely impacted his business leading to a significant decline in customers.
For questions on the bridge replacement project, Suffolk Highways has established a dedicated email address - A1088BridgeFarmBridge@milestoneinfra.co.uk.
