Bury St Edmunds A134 Sicklesmere Road data reveals volume and speed of traffic using key route ahead of planned weekend closures
New data reveals the amount of traffic using a key road ahead of a planned series of closures.
The data from a speed indicator device, shared with SuffolkNews, indicates that more than 800,000 vehicles have travelled along the A134 Sicklesmere Road, Bury St Edmunds, since last October.
It also indicates the road sees around 16,000 vehicles travelling to and from Bury at weekends - when the closures are planned.
The data, from the Speed Indicator Device (SID), which is located close to the Rushbrooke Arms pub, and monitored by Great Welnetham and Little Welnetham Parish Council, also reveals the extent of speeding on the road, with some cars clocked at over 100mph.
A series of weekend closures is planned for Sicklesmere Road by Hopkins Homes and Suffolk County Council between February 17 and May 5.
The developer is installing a roundabout on to the A134 as part of work on its Abbots Vale estate and accompanying relief road towards the A14.
Traffic light management is also planned for the road during the first week.
During the weekends, motorists travelling from the south of Bury are being encouraged to use a 43 mile diversion route, which starts in Long Melford.
Concerns have been raised about cars and and HGVs using minor rural roads as ‘rat runs’, instead.
Residents on two of these roads, Rushbrooke Lane and Low Green have called for them to be closed and made access only during the work.
They fear congestion and further damage to the roads which they describe as ‘in a poor condition’.
Peter Royce, chairman of Great Welnetham and Little Welnetham Parish Council, said: “The whole construction scheme and diversion is very poorly thought out.
“At weekends, the data unit indicates between 6,000 and 9,000 vehicle movements, for vehicles travelling into Bury, and the same number travelling out. This means around 16,000 vehicle movements each weekend.
“The planners are living in cloud cuckoo-land if they think people will all use the diversion.
“It affects people in all the villages south of Bury, who will have to head out towards Sudbury, through Clare and Haverhill to come back again.
“They have created a diversion of well over an hour to get to Bury, for what is a ten minute journey.
“I fully understand why people living on the minor roads, are concerned.
Data from the speed indicator device shows that 882,578 vehicles used the A134 between October 17 and February 2.
Great Welnetham and Little Welnetham Parish Council say the figure is likely to be higher, due to the speed unit relying on solar power for operation.
Mr Royce added: “The developers are putting a relief road into this new estate; so why not finish that first, with a small link to divert traffic onto it, while they work on the roundabout.
“Instead, they are building a roundabout that goes nowhere at the moment.
“In Bury, is going to lead to a huge losses for businesses with people choosing not to travel. It will also do untold damage to the smaller minor roads which will no doubt be used. Who is picking up the cost?”
Last week, residents in Rushbrooke Lane and Low Green, called for the closure of both the roads, for ‘access only’, during the work to create the roundabout.
They made the call at a community engagement meeting with the developer at Southgate Community Centre last Wednesday.
They are worried about the volume of traffic, an increase in HGVs, damage to the roads, and access for emergency vehicles.
The call for closure has been backed by Suffolk County Councilor Richard Rout, who represents residents in Rushbrooke Lane.
Concerns have also also raised about Nowton Road being used as a ‘rat run’, and where residents say there are already speeding issues.
Chairman of Nowton Parish Council, Henry Hopking, called for a second meeting with Hopkins Homes; including Suffolk County Council Highways, who were not present, last week.
Mr Hopking said this week.: “Whilst I could agree that it would be great if Rushbrooke Lane and Low Green were closed to through traffic, this perhaps would only concentrate traffic elsewhere. Is it better we all share the traffic?
“I see the question as how risk is minimised. Road decay from extreme traffic volume can be repaired.
“I expect severe damage to roadside verges in Nowton. We can deal with all that in due course. But I have deep concerns as to the potential impact of ambulance and fire services travelling to and from the southern villages, not just Nowton.
“And just wait until the Nowton Road is impassable due to a flood, which is an annual occurrence in the Spring.”
Hopkins Homes say the Sicklesmere Road works are an ‘essential part of the Abbots Vale development’ and are aimed at improving traffic flow and safety for ‘the growing community in the area’.
The developer says: “We understand that road closures and traffic management can be disruptive, so we have developed a comprehensive plan alongside Network Assurance and Suffolk Highways to help minimise any inconvenience.
The schedule and diversion route is:
Week beginning February 17.
Sicklesmere Road (A134) will remain open, but traffic lights will be installed to manage traffic flow. These lights will be monitored continuously to ensure smooth operations and minimise delays.
The developer says it will provide any necessary updates through regular updates online, on-site signage, and a dedicated helpline/email for any questions or concerns.
It says clear and well-signed diversion routes will direct traffic along suitable alternative routes.
Measures to prevent ‘rat runs’ include:
• Signage warning drivers of unsuitable routes.
• Advisory speed limits of 20 mph on narrow sections of these roads.
• Gatemen stationed at key points to assist motorists and ensure compliance.
• Compliance and traffic impact will be monitored continuously.
The developer adds: “If needed, additional measures such as one-way systems or collaboration with local police for enforcement will be implemented.”
Hopkins Homes and Suffolk County Council have been approached for comment.
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