Suffolk Highways is continuing to monitor road conditions across the county as prolonged periods of hot weather place additional pressure on road surfaces.
While high temperatures can occasionally lead to road surfaces softening and deteriorating, the impact on Suffolk's highway network remains limited.
Across the county's entire road network – which spans approximately 4,347 miles - Suffolk Highways has identified pockets totalling just over three miles of carriageway significantly affected by the recent heat.
Roads in the UK are designed to withstand cold and wet weather conditions, which have historically presented the greatest challenge to highway infrastructure.
However, during extended periods of exceptionally warm weather, road surface temperatures can exceed 60C, causing the bitumen binder within some road surfaces to soften and rise to the surface.
This can result in roads becoming sticky, tacky or uneven and, in some cases, lead to surface break up.
To minimise disruption and maintain safety, Suffolk Highways has been proactively monitoring known hotspots across the network and carrying out preventative treatments where required.
This includes the application of granite dust to affected locations, which helps reduce the risk of surface deterioration during periods of extreme heat.
The A143 between Stanton and Ixworth is one of the locations that has been affected by the recent temperatures.
The road had already been identified for further improvement works later this summer due to existing defects.
But a combination of prolonged hot weather and local traffic conditions accelerated the deterioration of the carriageway, requiring an emergency closure on safety grounds to be implemented on Tuesday July 7.
At present, it is planned for the road to reopen again by Monday July 13, following an initial phase of permanent repairs to the worst of the defects, which are due to start this week.
We will then return to site in the coming weeks to undertake further improvement works to the carriageway.
Further updates will be provided on Suffolk Highways social media.
Councillor Christopher Hudson, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: "While recent hot weather has affected a small number of roads across Suffolk, the vast majority of the county's highway network continues to operate as normal.
“Across our entire road network, we have identified around three miles of separate stretches of carriageway that have been impacted by the heat.
“Our teams are actively monitoring road conditions, carrying out inspections, and applying preventative treatments where necessary to reduce the risk of deterioration. Where defects do occur, we will take the appropriate action to keep road users safe and undertake repairs as quickly as possible.
"We appreciate the inconvenience that road closures and repairs can cause, but safety remains our priority. We would like to thank residents and road users for their patience while this essential work is carried out."
During periods of extreme heat, motorists can help reduce pressure on vulnerable road surfaces by avoiding harsh braking where possible, taking corners smoothly, leaving extra space between vehicles.
Suffolk Highways will continue to monitor conditions across the county and respond where necessary to ensure the network remains safe and operational.
