10 July 2024 update: We are pleased to confirm that we are now in the final stages of our repairs to Otley Bottom and are aiming to reopen the road during the daytime on Monday 15 July, subject to weather conditions and other factors.
Last week, we installed the concrete bag retaining wall and additional highway drainage. We also completed all road repairs required in preparation for the surface dressing programmed for August to help minimise further disruption to highway users.
Over the next few days, works will be undertaken to install the carriageway edge and pedestrian railing for safety purposes. Following this, we will complete our final checks of the repairs before demobilising the site by removing our machinery and equipment.
Please note that whilst Otley Bottom is due to reopen on Monday 15 July, we are carrying out surface dressing preparation works nearby at Church Road overnight from Monday, as detailed below. This will then be followed by surface dressing works.
Church Road, Otley
During these times, the road will be closed to ensure the safety of highway users and our operatives:
Repairs in preparation for surface dressing: Between 7pm and 5am, from Monday 15 July until Friday 19 July.
Surface dressing: Between 7pm and 5am, on Monday 5 August
Once again, we would like to reiterate our thanks for your continued patience and understanding whilst we complete these essential improvements in Otley.
4 July 2024 update: We are pleased to confirm that repairs at Otley Bottom continue to progress well as we near completion of the project.
We have completed the Phase 2 area of repair, and we are now making good progress with the northern section, having cleared this site and installed bank support sheets. The bed of the watercourse has also been prepared, to enable us to install the concrete bag retaining wall and additional highway drainage. It is looking likely to conclude by the end of next week (commencing 8 July).
In addition, we have cleaned all gullies, kerb offlets and extra drainage is being installed which includes creating drainage grips within the verge.
This week we are carrying out all road repairs required in preparation for the surface dressing programmed for August, this will help minimise further disruption to highway users.
18 June 2024 update: We are pleased to confirm that repairs at Otley Bottom continue to progress well after our second week on site.
Gabion Baskets have been installed to strengthen the carriageway and repair previous damage. We are now undertaking the installation of concrete bags, which form part of the watercourse bank reinforcement.
Once this has been completed, we will commence construction of the post and rail fencing and kerbing works before reinstating the carriageway edge.
Currently, we are still on target to complete the works by Tuesday 23 July 2024.
7 June 2024 update: We are pleased to confirm that repairs at Otley Bottom are progressing well after our first week on site.
Damning of the watercourse has been undertaken and we have also completed excavations to enable the base of the gabion wall to be constructed.
Whilst the road closure is in place, we will carry out additional works such as drainage and routine maintenance activities to help minimise the possibility of future flooding and disruption to the community.
At present, works are still programmed to complete on Tuesday 23 July 2024, as we are doing all we can to ensure that lost time will be made up following a delay to the scheme commencing due to Anglian Water’s emergency closure in the vicinity.
Thank you for your patience whilst we complete these essential works. We will continue to provide further updates as the scheme progresses.
28 May 2024 update: Unfortunately, works have been unable to commence today (Tuesday 28 May) as planned due to Anglian Water implementing an emergency closure along the planned diversion route (the B1079 Grundisburgh Road).
At present, it does not appear feasible for us to undertake our works at the same time due to the proximity of our closure to Anglian Water’s closure and the disruption that this would cause to highway users and the local community.
We are currently in discussion with Anglian Water to ascertain how long they are likely to be working on the network so that we can determine what the impact will be on our programme of works.
A further update will be provided on this webpage and via our social media channels once we have a clearer idea of a revised timescale.
We apologise for the delay, but this is due to circumstances beyond our control.
20 May 2024 update: Carriageway bank stabilisation and carriageway reconstruction works are programmed to take place from Tuesday 28 May 2024 and will continue until Tuesday 23 July 2024.
For the safety of highway users and our operatives, a full road closure will be implemented during our works and further details on this, and the suggested diversion route, can be found on one.network.
At present, we estimate that repairs will take around eight weeks, although every effort will be made to enable the road to reopen as soon as it is safe to do so.
Further updates on our progress will be provided via this webpage and our social media channels.
Once again, we would like to thank the local community for its patience whilst we finalised a scheme which will help to minimise future disruption to highway users whilst providing value for money for Suffolk taxpayers.
19 April 2024 update: A topographical survey has now been carried out to enable the design of the gabion basket wall to be finalised. Suffolk Highways continues to work with partners on the final details of the scheme to ensure that the works provide value for money for Suffolk taxpayers whilst enabling disruption to highway users to be minimised. At present, we are aiming for repairs to commence during May, and we will provide further updates once a start date has been confirmed. Suffolk Highways would like to thank the local community for its patience in the meantime and offer reassurance that this scheme remains a priority for us.
1 March 2024 update: Early next week, teams will carry out a topographical survey, as well as taking soil samples – which will be used to understand and develop a ‘gabion basket wall’ installation similar to that installed previously at an adjacent section of the road. Following the work planned next week, we will design and plan the scheme which is anticipated to begin April 2024.The exact start date is still to be confirmed, updates will be provided as soon as a date has been agreed.
23 February 2024 update: B1079 Otley Bottom has been inspected following safety concerns of the flooding potentially undermining the road. It has been agreed that the road can be re-opened today as per the prior temporary traffic management set up, of 3-way traffic lights. Before the road can be re-opened, the road will be swept, and any large amounts of standing water will be cleared.
Additional warning signs will also be installed further along the road where the flooding caused some of the embankment to be washed away.
We will continue to monitor the location and work on repairing the road as a priority.
22 February 2024 update: due to further deterioration of the road, an emergency road closure has been installed until further notice.