Work to install pumps on a major west Suffolk road that has been closed since it flooded on New Year's Eve will begin on Thursday, leaving hopes the road could reopen early this week dashed. 

The A143 Compiegne Way in Bury St Edmunds has been closed since Sunday, December 31 after heavy rainfall left it submerged. 

The prolonged closure has caused heavy congestion in and around the town centre as motorists try to find an alternative route. 

On Thursday, January 18, a Suffolk Highways spokesman said it was hoped that, if repairs took place over the weekend, the road could reopen early this week. 

However, the spokesman said this was dependent on weather and success of the system repairs.

And on Tuesday this week, a Suffolk Highways spokesman said: "Whilst we've managed to re-start one of the pumps, at a reduced capacity, we now know that all pumps will need to be replaced.

"New pumps are planned to be delivered tomorrow and work will commence to commission these ahead of installation commencing Thursday."

East Anglian Daily Times: Melanie Soanes, chair of the Moreton Hall Residents Association, said she was unhappy with the workMelanie Soanes, chair of the Moreton Hall Residents Association, said she was unhappy with the work (Image: Charlotte Bond)

The spokesman said workers will continue to jet and remove silt from the drainage system and complete works to road patching, markings and white linings.

This work will be weather permitting, with Suffolk recovering from storms Isha and Jocelyn this week.

"Works are progressing and we thank you again for your continued patience and we apologise for the ongoing inconvenience this closure is causing. These works remain our top priority," the spokesman added. 

Last week, Melanie Soanes, chair of the Moreton Hall Residents Association, said she was unhappy with the work. 

"It is just not good enough. This was first closed New Years Eve and we're now in the third week of January - it doesn't feel like it is a priority," she said.