Dear all,

Further to our previous email, we would like to give an update on our improvement works at the ‘Tollgate Triangle’ gyratory in Bury St Edmunds.

Works have been continuing on the completion of the central islands, creating additional carriageway width to facilitate the new road alignment. We have also progressed installation of the new carriageway construction, drainage and widened shared use footway, including the Dutch crossing at Bell Meadow.

Phase two of the works, which included widening of the inner island and remodelling of the southern loop, was completed sooner than anticipated, earlier this month. In line with our planned works schedule, we are now progressing with phase three of the scheme. Please see below for further information on this phase.

Phase Three

When will we be working? 

Works along the east of Fornham Road commenced earlier this month. We plan to complete these works in April. 

What will we be doing?

We will be upgrading and reconstructing each phase of the outer gyratory, including new, wider shared use footways, drainage, signals and streetlighting. This will also include new Dutch Style crossings to the Tollgate Public House, Bell Meadow, and service road to the south.

Works have commenced along Fornham Road east and will continue towards the extent of our scheme opposite Sandy Lane. Concurrently, teams will also begin works within the existing junction of Tollgate Lane and Fornham Road, upgrading the footways and signalised crossings in this area.

Additionally, third party utility contractors will be completing UKPN connection works along Fornham Road at the Junction with Tollgate Lane. These works are not associated with the scheme but are being undertaken in collaboration with Suffolk Highways to reduce the requirement for future road closures, helping to minimise disruption to the local community.

What traffic management will be in place?

For the safety of highway users, especially vehicles travelling along Fornham Road, and our operatives, Norfolk Road at the Junction with Fornham Road will be closed at all times from 26 January until early April. Access to and from Norfolk Road will be maintained via the signed diversion: Norfolk Road – Northgate Avenue – Avenue Approach – Fornham Road and vice versa . Narrow lanes will also be installed along Fornham Road.

In addition, the inbound closure of Thetford Road and left turn only from Bell Meadow will remain in place through this phase of works.

To enable works on the new signal system, the existing permanent signals, which have been utilised since the start of construction, will be replaced with temporary signals and crossing points on Tollgate Lane and Mildenhall Road whilst a single lane closure is established at each of the key works locations. These will be installed during the week commencing 19 January.

During this time, there may also be a requirement to close and divert footways. A signed route will always be maintained around the gyratory, either clockwise or anti clockwise, so please follow footway and pedestrian signage accordingly.

Following the completion of phase three, we will commence phase four of the works. Please see below for further details on this.

Phase Four

When will we be working?

We will commence this phase once phase three is completed, which we anticipate will be in mid to late April time. Works on site will then conclude in May, if not sooner.

What will we be doing?

Works will include full resurfacing of the junction, lining, signage installation, and the installation and commissioning of new traffic signals. Following this, traffic will be switched to permanent headings, removing the existing gyratory system. Further details of the permanent changes to the gyratory system will be communicated ahead of these planned changes.

What traffic management will be in place for these works?

For the safety of highway users and our operatives, a full closure of the Tollgate Gyratory, except for access, will be in operation whilst we carry out our works overnight. We anticipate that this closure will be in place between 7pm to 6am during weekdays only for a period of approximately three weeks.

The inbound closure of Thetford Road and left turn only from Bell Meadow will also remain in place.

We will continue to provide updates regarding progress on the scheme and will notify you of any changes brought about by future phases before they commence.

If you need more information, please call us on 0345 606 6171 or email customer.services@suffolk.gov.uk

Please use any contacts within your division or parish to circulate this notification. 

Suffolk Highways