Plans to close five A47 gaps after 46 collisions reported

National Highways Limited is proposing to close five gaps in the central reservation along the A47 near Lowestoft as part of a wider scheme to improve road safety.

A consultation closes at the end of this week as views continue to be sought on potential changes to sections of the trunk road in the north Lowestoft area.

As revealed by this newspaper last month, the government company - which plans, designs, builds, operates and maintains England’s motorways and major A-roads - has proposed a legal order to permanently close the gaps in the central reservation on the A47 trunk road between the Jay Lane junction and Rackhams Corner in Suffolk.

The existing central reservation of the A47 trunk road located opposite the junction with Jay Lane in Lound is one that could potentially be closed under National Highways Limited plans. Image: Google Images (Image: Google Images)

The plans, which include sections near Hopton, Corton, Lound, Blundeston and Lothingland, have been proposed to improve road safety following a history of collisions.

The gaps under review are at Jay Lane, a private access to Boynton Farmhouse, a private access near Midway Nurseries, Market Lane and Stirrups Lane.

The five gaps being proposed for closure are circled on the map. Image: National Highways Ltd (Image: National Highways Ltd)

A National Highways spokesman said: "There have been many personal injury collisions at these gaps."

Figures released show that between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2019, a total of 46 collisions and casualties were reported across the scheme.

Of these, National Highways said that four per cent were classified as fatal, 11pc were classified as serious and 85pc were classified as slight.

They said closing the gaps would remove potentially dangerous movements across the central reservation and help prevent future collisions.

National Highways Limited is proposing to make an Order under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 on a length of the A47 Trunk Road at Lowestoft in Suffolk. Image: Google Maps (Image: Google Maps)

The spokesman added: "Most of the displaced traffic will suffer an estimated six-minute increase in journey time during an average peak hour, but as the flow is expected to be split between roundabouts it is unlikely that the queues will see a substantial impact."

Consultation continues

Traffic surveys conducted in September 2022 showed that usage of the central gaps varied significantly.

The Boynton Farmhouse and Midway Nurseries gaps were used by fewer than two vehicles per peak hour, suggesting the closures would have minimal impact on the broader road network.

However, the Stirrups Lane gap sees between two and 20 vehicles per peak hour, and its closure could add around six minutes to some journeys.

The Jay Lane and Market Lane gaps each serve more than 20 vehicles per peak hour, with most drivers expected to experience a five-minute increase in travel time if the closures go ahead.

National Highways has issued a Permanent Traffic Regulation Order (PTRO) as part of the formal process.

The public consultation - which opened on October 13 - runs until November 6, with locals encouraged to share their views before a final decision is made.

To view the proposals and submit comments, visit nationalhighways.citizenspace.com/he/a47-jay-lane-to-rackhams-corner-roundabout .