Roadworks - temporary closures and diversions

Why a temporary traffic restriction or road closure may be needed, including when it is necessary to prohibit or control traffic.

Public highways in Suffolk may need to be temporarily closed to allow work on or near them to be done safely. They may also need to be closed for a short period of time for a special event, for example a street party.  (The public highway consists of any verge, pavement, road, bridleway or public footpath whether or not maintained at public expense and over which the public has a right of way).

Temporary closures currently in place or coming up soon can be found on Roadworks.org which is a website providing details of road closures, roadworks, obstructions, events and other information for road users.

Temporary closures on public highways cannot be made until a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) has been issued by us as the highway authority for most roads in Suffolk.  All costs involved for both the closure and diversion signing will have to be met by the person or organisation requesting the closure.

As there is a legal and consultative process to be undertaken, at least 12 weeks notice of closure is required. The cost of a road closure is £770.  However, if you are organising an event which requires a closure for a short period of time eg a street party, please read the information on the Street closures for events page on this website as there is a separate process to be followed for these events and the cost will be less.

Emergency road closures are possible when there is an immediate danger to the public, utility apparatus or surroundings, such as road subsidence or dangerous buildings.  The Police can also close roads for safety reasons.

To apply for a temporary road closure, please download, complete and return the Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) Application Form (Word, 70KB).

To apply for a temporary road closure in Ipswich, please contact Ipswich Borough Council.

To apply for a temporary road closure on a trunk road  (PDF, 89kb) please contact the Highways Agency Information Line.

If you would like a temporary street closure for a street fair or, market, etc. please read the information on our Street parties page on this website.