Traffic congestion and delays on a major route into Bury St Edmunds could come to an end sooner than expected after the county council confirmed significant roadworks are running ahead of schedule.
As a result, the final part of the traffic flow and road safety improvement scheme in Westgate Street, Out Westgate, Cullum Road and Parkway is being brought forward.
Suffolk highways has been working on the project six days a week since June 5.
Following the replacement of the double roundabout with a single roundabout, contractors on site are now installing pedestrian and cyclist crossings before starting overnight resurfacing works on August 16 between 8pm and 5am.
Workers will spend three nights resurfacing the recently worked-on road, followed by the installation of traffic sensors and road markings.
Good on site progress has meant the works are due to be completed around a week earlier than the anticipated end date of September 8.
Throughout the project, traffic levels have been monitored to ensure vehicles can get through the route as smoothly as possible.
James Finch, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “We have worked hard with local businesses and residents to take on any concerns they may have had during these works, and I think I can speak for all of us when I say we are pleased disruption has been kept to a minimum.”
He added: “I would also like to thank all road users for their patience while the works were carried out as well as the team for working so hard to get the scheme ahead of schedule.
“We will all now see a better, safer junction that will serve the town for many years to come.”
The project to replace the “collision prone” double roundabout with a single roundabout, and to install a new toucan crossing and cycle path, is the first phase of a £2.8million scheme to improve traffic flow and encourage walking and cycling in the town centre.
Upgrades are also set to be made to the Tayfen Road area in the town which includes Northgate Street, Out Northgate and Compiegne Way. The council says the improvements are needed to ensure that future traffic growth in the town can be accommodated.
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