A Suffolk Highways project to improve traffic flow and the safety of road users in Bury St Edmunds will begin today (Monday 5 June 2017).

The works, which will also make it easier to walk and cycle in the town, will take place on Westgate Street, Out Westgate Street, Cullum Road and Parkway and will include the replacement of a double mini roundabout with a single one. Working six days a week, the project is due to be completed on 8 September 2017.

The scheme has been developed out of a need to improve safety and traffic flow at the junction, and to enhance facilities in the area for pedestrians and cyclists – all of which will be important in supporting future housing and employment growth in the town over the next 14 years.

During this time there will be a diversion along Southgate Street and Cullum Road as Westgate Street will be subject to a 24-hour closure between Guildhall Street and the double mini roundabout on Cullum Road. Pedestrians can still access the area and businesses will remain open at all times with access maintained throughout.

Works will pause and roads will be open from 26 August for three days for the Bury Food and Drink Festival on 27 and 28 August 2017.

Temporary traffic lights will be placed along the A1302 Parkway, Cullum Road and on Out Westgate Street to ensure a safe working environment. These are automated, but when possible staff will operate the lights manually during peak hours to clear backed up traffic.

Overnight works will commence on 29 August until 5am on 8 September 2017 to resurface and reline part of Parkway/ A143/ A1302 and Westgate Street, including the new roundabout. This work will involve a full closure of the junction and will take place overnight to limit disruption during the day.

The following changes will be implemented as part of the project:

• removal of two mini roundabouts and installation of single roundabout at the junctions between Parkway, Cullum Road, Westgate Street and Out Westgate Street;
• a toucan crossing and a segregated cycle route on Westgate Street, which will link with existing cycle facilities on Cullum Road and St Andrew’s Street South;
• widening of footpaths;
• removal of guard rails from the corners of the junctions;
• upgrade of existing traffic lights to make them more efficient;
• upgrade of existing street lights;
• relocation of the pedestrian area on Out Westgate Street to allow crossing closer to the junction.

As the work begins, motorists are being encouraged to allow extra time to make their journeys, or use public transport options.

It is also recommended that, if possible, people try to adjust their working patterns, to reduce the amount of traffic along the diversion route during peak hours. If jobs allow people to work from home, that may also be advisable, to reduce congestion on the diversion route.

The New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, the Government and Suffolk County Council are funding this work. The investment can only be used on these types of improvement schemes. The money cannot be used to fund pothole repairs.

All dates and planned working times are subject to variables outside of Suffolk Highways’ control, such as prolonged periods of bad weather.

More information about the scheme, including diversion routes, can be found by visiting www.suffolk.gov.uk/westgatestreet