Work to repair a bridge over the A12 which would have forced drivers into miles of diversion has been paused.
National Highways began work on Birchwood Bridge near Langham on September 7 and will continue until September 28.
The works were scheduled to continue last night, but have now been paused until September 15.
A National Highways spokesperson said: "We'll restart work on the night of Wednesday, September 16. Apologies for any inconvenience."
The scheme will involve overnight southbound closures of the A12 between Junction 33 at Copdock Interchange and Junction 29 at Ardleigh Crown Interchange, a stretch of around 10 miles.
A National Highways spokesman said the project will also require full closures of Birchwood Road in both directions, lane closures on the A12, and temporary traffic lights on Birchwood Road.
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The A12 southbound was due to be closed overnight between 9pm and 5am from September 7 to September 28 between Junction 33 and Junction 32B, and between Junction 30 and Junction 29.
Diversion route for southbound A12 traffic
Drivers travelling south from Copdock Interchange will be diverted via:
- Leave Copdock Interchange and join the A14 eastbound
- Continue on the A14 to Junction 56, Wherstead Interchange
- Leave the A14 and join the A137 northbound
- Continue on the A137 through Ardleigh to the Harwich Road/St Andrew's Avenue roundabout
- Take the third exit onto St Andrew's Avenue (A133)
- Continue to the Ipswich Road roundabout
- Take the third exit onto Ipswich Road (A1232)
- Continue to Junction 29 at Ardleigh Crown Interchange before rejoining the A12
National Highways said motorists should allow extra time for journeys and plan ahead during the closure period. Emergency vehicle access will be maintained throughout the works.
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