Main Road, Martlesham closes towards the A12 from 19 October to 26 February while new crossings and a shared cycle path are built. The diversion runs via the B1438.
Main Road in Martlesham will be one-way for about 20 weeks from Monday 19 October. Drivers heading towards the A12 will be sent round through the village and out via the B1438.
Suffolk County Council announced the scheme on 23 September. It covers the stretch between the A12 and Nunn Close. The council’s works page gives an end date of Friday 26 February 2027.
Martlesham is about two miles south-west of Woodbridge. Main Road is the old A12 through the village.
What closes, and when
The council’s ongoing improvement schemes page sets out the traffic management:
- One-way, 24 hours a day, 19 October to 26 February. Main Road is closed in the direction from Felixstowe Road towards the A12.
- The other direction stays open. Traffic can still travel from the A12 towards Felixstowe Road.
- Two full overnight closures will be needed for resurfacing. The council says it will give dates once they are confirmed.
- Felixstowe Road, Martlesham closes from 15 to 26 February 2027, for 100 metres south of its junction with Main Road.
The diversions are:
| Closure | Diversion |
|---|---|
| Main Road, towards the A12 | Main Road, The Street, Top Street, the B1438, then the A12 southbound. One way only |
| Felixstowe Road, February | Felixstowe Road, Anson Road, the A12 northbound, Main Road, and back |
The legal order is wider than the works page. Suffolk County Council’s notice of 1 October allows the one-way closure from 12 October and full night closures, 7pm to 6am, at any point between 12 October and 26 February. Orders like this routinely give a wider window than the work needs. The council’s own start date is 19 October.
What is being built
The scheme adds a shared path for walking and cycling along the south-east side of Main Road. The council’s scheme page lists the main parts:
- two new parallel crossings, which give priority to people walking and cycling, near Blacktiles Lane and Nunn Close
- resurfacing on the approaches to the two crossings
- a narrower carriageway in places, to make room for the shared path and slow traffic
- drainage work and a review of the street lighting
The council says the route will link with existing paths in Kesgrave, with its Woodbridge active travel project, and with planned work east of Ipswich.
Who is paying
Most of the money comes from the Community Infrastructure Levy, the charge councils take from developers to pay for local infrastructure. The A12 Major Road Network project and East Suffolk Council also contribute. The council has not published a total cost.
Councillor Christopher Hudson, the county’s cabinet member for transport and highways, said: “Some disruption will be unavoidable during construction, for which we apologise in advance, but these improvements will deliver lasting benefits for residents and visitors alike.”
The design was shaped by engagement events held in summer 2025, the council says.
Only half the road, for now
This is a first phase. The northern section of Main Road, from Nunn Close to Sandy Lane, could follow “at a later date, subject to funding”. The council has not given a date for it.
What it means for you
- Leaving Martlesham for the A12 or Ipswich along Main Road: from 19 October you cannot. Allow time for the diversion through The Street, Top Street and the B1438.
- Coming off the A12 into Martlesham: Main Road stays open in that direction, with traffic lights through the works.
- Night closures: two are coming, dates not yet set. We will add them when the council publishes them.
- Felixstowe Road residents: plan around 15 to 26 February.
- On foot or by bike: the closure order says access stays open for pedestrians and cyclists.
The council takes questions on 0345 606 6171 or at customer.services@suffolk.gov.uk.
Every other closure in the area this month, including the A12 at Darsham and the Leiston weekends, is on our roadworks and travel page.
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