Motorists travelling through central Ipswich are being warned to expect traffic delays as Suffolk Highways begins a series of lane closures on one of the town’s busiest routes as part of a programme of infrastructure maintenance works.

The restrictions affect St Matthew’s Street, a key route connecting the town centre with surrounding areas, and will remain in place for several phases throughout the summer.

Suffolk Highways has implemented lane closures in both directions between the Civic Drive roundabout and the junction with High Street to facilitate the replacement of street lighting infrastructure and repairs to the central brick reservation.

The initial phase of works is scheduled to continue until 3 July and is expected to affect traffic flows through the area, particularly during peak travel periods.

Further temporary traffic management measures will be introduced from 6 July to 10 July to allow additional street lighting upgrades and the replacement of pedestrian safety railings. These works will take place between 9:30am and 3:00pm each day.

A final phase of the programme is planned between 10 August and 14 August, when further lighting improvements and pedestrian railing replacements will be carried out. To minimise disruption, these works will be undertaken overnight between 7:00pm and 5:00am.

The scheme forms part of ongoing efforts to maintain and improve highway infrastructure across Suffolk, with investment in street lighting and pedestrian safety measures helping to support the long-term resilience and functionality of the local road network.

Drivers are advised to allow extra time for journeys through the area while the works are underway and to follow any signed diversions or temporary traffic management arrangements in place.

The improvement programme highlights the importance of proactive maintenance in ensuring key urban routes remain safe, efficient and fit for future use, while reducing the need for more extensive repairs in the years ahead.