Bury St Edmunds residents call for closure of Rushbrooke Lane and Low Green during work on A134 Sicklesmere Road by Hopkins Homes
Worried residents are calling for the closure of two routes during forthcoming roadworks.
Residents in Rushbrooke Lane and Low Green, Bury St Edmunds, want both roads closed for ‘access only’ during the work on Sicklesmere Road, by Hopkins Homes.
They made the call at a community engagement meeting with the developer at Southgate Community Centre, today.
Hopkins Homes has announced eight weekend closures of the A134 Sicklesmere Road 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.
It has announced a 43 mile diversion route for traffic heading from the south, which starts in Long Melford, through Clare, before heading to Bury.
Sicklesmere Road will be open during the week, but traffic lights will be in place.
Residents in Rushbrooke Lane and Low Green however, fear the roads, which they say are already in ‘poor condition’, will be used as ‘rat runs’, by motorists avoiding the diversion route.
They are also concerned about an increase in HGVs - and want the roads designated ‘access only’ for residents and businesses.
Concerns were also raised about Nowton Road being used as a ‘rat run’, and where residents say there are already speeding issues.
Suffolk County Councillor, Richard Rout, who represents residents in Rushbrooke Lane, said: “I have been contacted by residents who want Rushbrooke Lane closed, at the southern end, from the outset, which makes complete sense to me.
“I was under the understanding that you were going to be presenting some options in terms of closures, from the outset, and taking feedback on this from the meeting.”
Edward Bathgate, pre-development manager for Hopkins Homes, said talks with Suffolk Highways, had led the developer to understand that the council ‘did not want to close’ Rushbrooke Lane and Low Green.
However, after a show of hands by residents, who unanimously agreed with the proposed closures, it was resolved that Hopkins Homes inform Suffolk Highways about the request.
Henry Hopking, chair of Nowton Parish Council, said he felt the meeting had been hampered by the lack of representatives from Suffolk County Council.
He called for a second meeting with the developers and also involving Suffolk Highways ‘as soon as possible’.
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.”
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