Drivers Face Weekend Closures, Diversions Amid Roadworks in Suffolk, Essex, Ayrshire

Motorists in Suffolk are facing a significant disruption due to roadworks on the A134 Sicklesmere Road, set to begin on February 17 and resulting in weekend closures that could extend travel times by up to 90 minutes. The 43.5-mile diversion has drawn criticism from local officials, particularly Peter Royce of the Great and Little Whelnetham Parish Council, who expressed concerns about the financial and logistical impact of such long detours. While developers Hopkins Homes assert that the closures are necessary for improving traffic flow and have made adjustments to allow local access on Rushbrooke Lane and Low Green, community members remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these changes. The road will be fully closed on weekends from February 21 to May 5, although temporary traffic lights will be in operation during the week. In a related note, other regions, such as Ayrshire and Essex, are also implementing roadworks that will cause temporary diversions and closures, demonstrating a broader trend of infrastructure improvements across the UK. These projects, while aimed at enhancing safety and traffic management, are expected to lead to similar frustrations among drivers.