Work is to start in the New Year on a new walking, wheeling, and cycling route in Sudbury to help people to get around safely and sustainably.
The scheme in Melford Road will see the replacement of existing zebra crossings with parallel crossings, and installation of a shared-use off-road pedestrian and cycle facility, with cycle priority across side roads.
Works are scheduled to begin in mid-January 2026 and are expected to be complete by the end of March 2026.
To minimise disruption to the local community work will be undertaken in three phases.
- Phase One: This will require the closure of the A131 northbound, including Beaconsfield Road, and is expected to be around 25 days in duration.
- Phase Two: This will require the closure of the A131 southbound, including York Road. This phase will also take around 25 days.
- Phase Three: There will be a full overnight closure of the A131 in both directions, including Beaconsfield Road and York Road, to undertake resurfacing and install road markings. This closure is scheduled to be in place for three nights.
The exact dates of the scheme are still to be confirmed and will be communicated before works start, along with the duration of the closures and suggested diversion routes.
Councillor Chris Chambers, Suffolk County Council Cabinet member for Transport Strategy, acknowledged that people would have concerns about the impact on traffic of the works, but the effects would be short term.
“This scheme will create a new walking, wheeling and cycling route in Sudbury to help people to travel safely and sustainably,” he said.
“We are working to make it easier for residents and businesses in our towns to get around without having to rely on private vehicles.
“Reducing congestion frees up road space and creates a better environment for everyone.
“Thank you to everyone in advance for your patience and understanding while we deliver this Active Travel Scheme to make it easier to walk, cycle and wheel around Sudbury.”
The project forms part of Suffolk’s wider Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) to deliver safer, greener routes across the county.
