Drivers face NINE MONTHS of delays and diversions on the A47 around Wisbech, King’s Lynn and Peterborough later this summer
Guyhirn roundabout is one of the stretches on the A47 that will be affected by delays. PHOTO: Rob Howarth/Stella Pictures Ltd - Credit: Rob Howarth/Stella Pictures Ltd
Speed restrictions, lane closures and the closure of entire stretches of the region’s busiest route are planned for routine maintenance and resurfacing including around Wisbech.
Speed restrictions, lane closures and the closure of entire stretches of the region’s busiest route are planned for routine maintenance and resurfacing including around Wisbech.
Preliminary work will begin next month at the Saddlebow Interchange, on the A47 at King’s Lynn and continue into the new year, says Highways England.
Once the full work begins diversions will be in place while the slip roads are closed. Most will only add an extra mile or two to drivers’ journeys.
But there’s worse in store for motorists when the road is closed firstly east-bound, then the west-bound carriageways between the Pullover and Hardwick Roundabouts on the outskirts of King’s Lynn.
When the 3.7-mile stretch is closed, the sign-posted alternative to it will be a whopping 33 miles, via the A1101, A1122 and A10 - a whistle-stop tour of the Fens taking in the outskirts of Wisbech and Downham Market.
Even though the public notice says the traffic order comes into force on July 3 no exact timetable has been published.
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And a highways spokesman said: “We want to reassure people that the project in the Saddlebow and the Kings Lynn area is still in its early stage. Although the Temporary Traffic Regulation Order comes into effect on 3 July, this refers to early technical ground work and should not affect road users. The actual scheme is not planned to start until September 2017, as we wanted to avoid the peak season.”
They add “the majority” of the maintenance will be carried out overnight, with closures between 8pm and 6am. But some weekend closures will also be required while bridge works are in progress at Saddlebow, on the southern outskirts of King’s Lynn.
Other affected stretches of the A47 will include between the B198 Redmoor roundabout to the A1101 Elm High Road, Wisbech; the A1101 Elm High Road to the A141 roundabout at Guyhirn; the New Cut roundabout at Thorney to the A141 junction at Guyhirn; the Bretton Way Interchange to the Fulbridge Road Interchange, at Peterborough and the Eye Green roundabout to the Hodney roundabout at Peterborough.
The public notice says closure will include “all slip roads, link roads, junctions with side roads and gaps in the central reservation”.
Speed limits will also apply.
