Calls for drivers to slow down at dangerous A140 junction

Suffolk County Council's Route Based Strategy on road safety has highlighted the A140 junction with the B1077 in Eye as in need of improvement.

The report focuses on a 12.5 mile stretch of the road, from Earl Stonham to the A143 roundabout.

In the strategy, the accident record shows that nine collisions have occurred at the junction between 2010 and 2015. Of those nine, one was fatal, two were serious and six were 'slight'.

There is concern from Eye residents and Eye Town Council that a proposed housing development of 280 homes and a 60 bed residential care home on Eye Airfield would increase the amount of traffic using the junction.

But the strategy states it is 'unlikely to greatly affect the performance of the A140/B1077 junction' but a 'significant increase in traffic as the development grows will ultimately effect the operation of these junctions'.

Colin Ribchester, deputy major elect of Eye, said the area between the Brome junction and the Devil's Handbasin garage is dangerous.

He said: 'The speed limit around the area needs to come down more because people don't slow down. And if the 200 houses are built, this will increase traffic. I'm pleased it's being looked at and it needs to be done as soon as possible.'

Further pressure is set to be put on the road, as Mid-Suffolk District Council have also drawn up proposals, known as the Eye Airfield Development Framework.

The proposals could see 'up to 3,000 jobs' created over the next 15 years and the development of businesses and residential areas.

The route based strategy identifies improvements to road signs and the widening of the carriage way as short term improvements.

Long term improvements mentioned include developing and delivering a junction improvement strategy, to

provide a roundabout on land on the south of the current junction and to 'provide a new link road through the afield between the B1077 and A140 airfield access junction.'