Urgent investigations are under way to find out why part of the A47 has suffered repeated flooding in recent days, amid warnings the region is about to be hit by more downpours.
The road to the west of Norwich, between Easton and Honingham, has become impassable to most vehicles on four occasions in the past three weeks.
Twice, the route had to be completely shut, remaining closed for 36 hours on one occasion.
Locals say such flooding is unprecedented in the area and has coincided with contractors carrying out earthworks on the surrounding land in advance of dualling work on the road.
National Highways, which is responsible for the A47, insist there is no link between the work and the floods.
But the organisation is coming under pressure to prevent further flooding, with forecasters predicting yet more rain when Storm Ciarán descends on the county later this week.
George Freeman, Mid Norfolk MP, urged National Highways to "grip the issue".
On Friday, October 13, the A47 was flooded between the Honingham and Easton roundabouts.
The section between Honingham and Easton was also shut in both directions in the midst of Storm Babet on Friday, October 20 and Saturday, October 21, because of deep water on the road.
Just days later, deep standing water on the same stretch led to delays of up to 45 minutes.
The section of the road where the flooding has been happening is where various work to pave the way for the dualling of the road has been done, including creating compounds for construction vehicles and diverting utilities.
READ MORE: What is the work being done on the A47 near Easton?
But a spokesman for National Highways said the flooding was not due to that work.
He said investigations were under way, with engineers visiting the A47 on most nights last week to try to resolve the problem.
They believe one factor may be a broken water pipe on private land which handles run-off from surrounding fields.
Since last Tuesday, National Highways has been paying its contractors to remain at the scene to use pumping equipment to prevent more closures.
A spokesman for National Highways said: "Investigation work is taking place to understand and resolve the localised flooding of the A47 around Honingham.
"At this stage we believe an issue with a water pipe on private land may have contributed to the issue over recent weeks alongside very heavy and sustained rainfall.
"There is no evidence to suggest any preparatory work being carried out nearby on the planned dualling of the road has contributed to the flooding."
The connection where the A47 would join the controversial Norwich Western Link road is due to be constructed at nearby Wood Lane.
Conservative MP Mr Freeman said: "The A47 is a key transport artery through our county and I share the frustration that it has been closed multiple times over recent days due to flooding.
"National Highways needs to grip the issue. Commuters and local communities should not have to face this constant disruption.
"I am following up with National Highways as part of my ongoing flooding campaign efforts on behalf of Mid Norfolk."
Diversions put in place during the A47 road closures have led to issues for people living in villages such as Easton, Colton and Marlingford.
With diverted traffic heading down village roads, people living there have complained that it has led to churned-up verges and muddy roads.
More bad weather is predicted when Storm Ciarán hits later this week, with gusts of 40mph to 50mph inland and 50mph to 60mph in coastal areas.
The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for wind and rain for Norfolk and Suffolk, with very strong and potentially damaging winds possible on Wednesday and Thursday.
TIPS FOR DRIVING WHEN IT RAINS
National Highways has issued advice for driving in rainy conditions:
- In heavy rain, drivers should keep well back from the vehicle in front, gradually ease off the accelerator if the steering becomes unresponsive, and slow down if the rain and spray from vehicles makes it difficult to see and be seen.
- Give vulnerable road users including cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians more room than usual - they’re more likely to be blown around by side winds.
- Don’t drive through flood water: there could be hidden hazards, and it may be deeper than it looks.
- If it's time for your wipers, it's time to slow down .
- Use dipped headlights, especially if visibility is seriously reduced.
- The roads will be more slippery than usual, so give yourself more time to react - increase the gap between you and the vehicle in front to at least four seconds.
- Always keep your eyes on the road - spray from other vehicles can suddenly reduce your visibility .
- If your vehicle starts aquaplaning, avoid hitting the brakes, but gently ease off the accelerator .
- Hold the steering wheel straight and switch off cruise control mode, if you have it on.
- When the vehicle gains traction, you can begin to brake to bring your speed down.
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