Roads are closed when there is no safe alternative way of carrying out roadworks, including using temporary traffic lights or "stop/go" boards. Closures can also be put in place for events on the highway such as sporting events, markets and processions, and for incidents and emergencies. Sometimes road closures are put in place to prevent traffic congestion when joining a road where works exist, for example where one end of the closed road intersects where traffic may be queued at temporary traffic lights.
When a road is closed, a diversion route must be put in place to guide vehicles from one end of the closure to the other, and the route traffic is diverted round must be signed to guide traffic. Occasionally diversion routes for different road closures cross over each other and in these cases, a symbol is placed on the signs on one of the routes so highway users know which signs to follow.
The following information provides the answers to frequently asked questions we receive when road closures and diversions are put in place.
My property/business is within the closure - will I be able to get to it?
Will emergency services be able to access my property?
Will buses still be running on the closed road?
Will school transport still be running on the closed road?
The road was closed for works which have finished but the signs are still there.
The road is closed but no work is being carried out
How can I apply for a road closure?
Contact Customer Services quickly and easily by webchat
- Your questions will be answered quicker on webchat.
- Open Monday to Friday 9am to 4:30pm (excluding bank holidays).
Click the webchat button in the right-hand corner of your screen.
Alternatively, you can email your enquiry to customer.services@suffolk.gov.uk.