Paper Mill Lane in Bramford closure amid A14 works welcomed

National Highways has confirmed that when full closures are required on the eastbound carriageway, between junction 52 for Claydon and junction 55 for the Copdock Interchange outside Ipswich, Paper Mill Lane in Bramford will shut to traffic. 

It comes after a lorry had to reverse back down the road after becoming stuck last month. 

Chris Chambers, Suffolk County Councillor for Gipping Valley, said: "I have long asked for this as this has been a problem.

A lorry got stuck last month trying to get around the roadworks (Image: Luke Smouty) "To finally get closures is good and residents will be pleased I am sure."

A spokesperson for National Highways said it will be open for access only, not as a through route. 

The closure comes following feedback from people living in the village. 

"Following feedback from residents, when full closures are required on the A14 eastbound carriageway, we will implement a road closure at Paper Mill Lane to prevent unsuitable vehicles using this as a cut through.

Access to the Premier Inn hotel will be maintained," the spokesperson for National Highways said.

Work has been ongoing since late summer and was expected to finish at the end of October, but was delayed due to poor weather. 

Councillor Chris Chambers believes the road is unsuitable for HGVs (Image: Suffolk County Council) Asphalt is being laid over the concrete sections of the road. National Highways say it will extend the life of the road surface and lower the frequency of repairs in the future.

Councillor Chambers added: "That road is completely unsuitable for heavy goods vehicles. It is not appropriate.

"I am unclear has to why lorry drivers go down there."

Weather permitting, maintenance is due to continue until Friday, December 13.

Closures will remain in place overnight between 8pm and 6am until the completion of the works.