A double whammy of roadworks close to Lowestoft’s Bascule Bridge lasting a total of 15 weeks will cause “chaos” for drivers and traders in the run-up to Christmas, businesses have warned.
Anglian Water said emergency work to repair a damaged sewer in Station Square, Lowestoft will last for approximately five weeks - meaning traffic approaching from Denmark Road will be diverted via Katwijk Way and the A12 as a southbound lane closure is put in place.
When those are finished, a separate 10-week sewer repair work project will be carried out by Anglian Water in Commercial Road up to the A47 junction.
That will mean the road is closed, with a full diversion in place,
Regan Harris, from Anglian Water, said: “We appreciate this sewer is on a busy main road and we’re very sorry for any inconvenience the work may cause.
“We hate disrupting customers and road users but the work needs to be carried out and we’ll be doing everything we can to minimise disruption.”
He added that Anglian Water is currently having to use over-land pipes to ensure residents in the area can continue to use their toilets and washing machines as normal.
But Danny Steel, owner of Steel and Co commercial properties and a board member of Lowestoft Vision business improvement district - which represents traders in the town centre - said of the roadworks starting on Monday, October 1: “That’s going to cause chaos.
“I know they often give more of a time then they think they are going to need, but that’s an awfully long time.
“It’s not going to be good for the town at all. Let’s hope they work through it quickly.”
Chris Trindall, who owns several properties in the town - including around Station Square - said: “It’s going to cause huge problems in the run-up to Christmas.
“It’s going to be a disaster. I know people from the north end of town who don’t come into Lowestoft at the moment - this will make it even worse.
“If you can get to Norwich or Beccles in 30mins, you’re not going to spend a long time getting into Lowestoft - and I don’t blame them.”
The works in Station Square will take place between 7.30am and 5.30pm on weekdays, with weekend work if required.
What impact do you think the road closures will have? Email newsdesk@archant.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here