Road closures continuing to cause ‘chaos’ for residents in Bradwell

The ongoing road closure in Bradwell is continuing to cause “chaos” for residents who live nearby to the A143 in the village.

Beccles Road has been closed since last Monday with traffic being diverted through smaller village roads which according to residents are unable to cope with the size and volume of traffic.

Councillor for Bradwell South and Hopton, who is also a resident on Primrose Way, Carl Annison, has described the traffic management plan as “unacceptable”.

He said: “It has been the same as last week with lorries going down Primrose Way. I have had lots of messages from residents again today who are very concerned about it.”

He added: “It has caused a lot of disruption and it is very worrying. If something isn’t done about this very soon there’s going to be an accident of some kind.

“It’s as though they thought they could just push the traffic through the estate and forget about it. It’s just not good enough.”

Residents say there have been diversion signs directing traffic through Burnet Road even though it doesn’t form part of the traffic management plan. Mr Annison says the sign was taken down on Friday but is now back up.

The work on the A143 is being carried out by Essex and Suffolk water who are making major improvements in the area.

A spokesperson for Norfolk County Council, said: “We continually review roadworks to minimise disruption and are liaising with Essex and Suffolk Water as to how to address the current issues in the area.

“This includes looking at reducing the contract period to see if the works can be completed in a shorter timescale.”

Mr Annison is particularly concerned about the heavy goods vehicles which are travelling through the estate.

He said: “There’s young school children who walk along Primrose Way, Green Lane and Church Lane so HGVs shouldn’t be travelling along these roads. It’s a massive health and safety issue.”

Mr Annison believes Beccles Road should have temporary traffic lights installed which would allow a single lane of traffic to use the A road whilst works are ongoing.

He says the council have told him that this is not possible.

He added: “Since last Monday it has been chaos and at the very least there should be signs saying no HGVs but the planning has been terrible. Residents would rather the work took longer but a proper traffic management plan was put in place.”

The installation of a new water main and the construction of a pumping station is set to be completed in five stages, lasting until June next year.