A key route in Bury St Edmunds will be closed for eight weekends as part of roadworks to serve a new housing development.
The A134 Sicklesmere Road will be shut on certain weekends from February 21 to May 5 for the works linked to the Hopkins Homes Abbots Vale development, off Rougham Hill.
Temporary traffic lights will operate weekdays from February 17 for the project which includes the construction of a new roundabout in Sicklesmere Road.
The Abbots Vale development in Bury St Edmunds. Picture: Mecha Morton
The new roundabout is solely part of the Hopkins Homes scheme for 363 homes and is separate to developer Denbury Homes’ neighbouring St Edmunds Gate development of more than 900 homes.
A Hopkins Homes spokesperson said: “We acknowledge that these works will cause some disruption to the local community.
“We are working closely with Suffolk Highways and Network Assurance to provide a comprehensive traffic management plan to minimise this disruption as much as possible.
“In the long term, these improvements will greatly enhance safety and connectivity to the A14, supporting the growth of Bury St Edmunds as a vibrant, thriving community.
“We sincerely appreciate the patience and understanding of everyone as we carry out this essential work.”
Closures will be from 8pm on Fridays to 5am on Mondays on February 21 to 24, March 7 to 10, March 21 to 24, March 28 to 31, April 4 to 7, April 11 to 14, April 25 to 28 and May 2 to 5.
Diversion routes will be in place.
The overall works are expected to be completed in spring.
Residents and businesses are invited to attend a public engagement session on Wednesday, February 5, from 1pm to 3pm, at Southgate Community Centre, in Caie Walk, Bury St Edmunds.
The session will provide an opportunity for people to hear more about the works, raise concerns and ask questions.
The Hopkins and Denbury developments will be connected in the future by a new bridge over the River Lark, scheduled for construction during 2025/2026.
The bridge is designed to create easier access to the A14.