Wisbech: A47 Roadworks

30 June 2013, 08:54 | Updated: 4 July 2013, 11:42

Drivers between Guyhirn and Wisbech will face a 52 mile diversion, due to a four mile stretch of roadworks.

A section of the A47 between Guyhirn and Wisbech will be closed for a week by the Highways Agency from Thursday (4 July). 

Two stretches of road could be used that would add just a few minutes onto journeys. 

However a diversion will see cars travelling in the opposite direction to their destination. 

The detour, which comes into force on the 4 July, takes an hour-and-a-half as vehicles have to pass through Chatteris, Ely, Littleport and Downham Market. 

The Highways Agency said road resurfacing and road markings will be done between 8pm and 6am to minimise disruption. 

A Spokesperson said: "This work has been scheduled to take place overnight, Monday to Friday nights only, to minimise disruption to road users. 

I advise anyone who may be affected by these closures to plan ahead and allow extra time to travel." 

Drivers travelling west on the A47 will follow a clearly signed diversion via A1101, A1122, A10, A142 and A141 to rejoin the A47 at Guyhirn.

Road users travelling east will follow the same diversion in the opposite direction.

A number of smaller, local roads nearby, which would considerably shorten the journey, have been left out of the diversion route.

A Highways Agency Spokesperson added: "Diversion routes need to be capable of handling trunk road traffic. 

As well as cars, trunk roads are used by HGVs and other large or heavy vehicles. Height and weight restrictions need to be carefully considered when planning diversion routes to avoid sending oversize vehicles down unsuitable or narrow roads.

We work closely with local authorities to plan the most suitable diversion route for all vehicles."