Temporary traffic lights have been installed at the A12 junction with the A1094 at Friday Street in Suffolk following a series of collisions at the ongoing roadworks site. The works are part of the Sizewell C development, which includes constructing a roundabout linked to a new bypass for Farnham and Stratford St Andrew.
Concerns were recently raised about “confusing” traffic signals at the junction, and Suffolk Police confirmed it was investigating three crashes. In response, Sizewell C said three-way traffic lights will operate from the evening rush hour until 06:00 GMT the following day to improve safety. Traffic barriers will also be replaced with cones, and the positioning of road signs is being reviewed to provide better visibility for motorists.
A spokesperson for Sizewell C said: “As a precaution, we’re working closely with Suffolk County Council and the police to respond to concerns about traffic management on Friday Street. At Sizewell C, safety is and will always remain our top priority. We will continue to monitor the area daily and adapt our traffic arrangements to protect both road users and our workforce.”
Independent East Suffolk councillor Julia Ewart highlighted the risks at the site, warning drivers to “stay away” and describing the junction as “treacherous.” She told the BBC that the changes to the right-of-way and the number of lights had made the area difficult to navigate, especially at night, and said accidents were occurring on a night-by-night basis.
The junction sees more than 15,000 vehicles daily travelling along the A12 from Farnham and Stratford St Andrew to the A1094 for Aldeburgh, according to Department for Transport figures. Suffolk County Council and Suffolk Police stated they are working closely with Sizewell C and will continue discussions on traffic management.
The roadworks and associated safety measures are expected to remain in place until the spring, with ongoing monitoring to reduce the risk of further collisions.
