Construction of the Haverhill Relief Road is complete and is set to officially open to traffic later this month.

We will be hosting an opening ceremony of the new road on Thursday, September 25.

Following the ceremony, the new 1.8km stretch of road linking the A1307 to the west of Haverhill and the A143 to the north will be open to the public.

The new road has been built by our Suffolk region as part of their Boyton Place development and is a significant piece of infrastructure for the town.

The road is designed to negate the impact of increased traffic in the town as a result of Persimmon’s development, while giving motorists an alternative travel route through the market town. The new road means cars can travel across Haverhill while avoiding the Withersfield Road, Cangle Junction and Wratting Road, easing congestion and improving traffic flow for road users.

While construction of the road was hit by several delays, once open it will help alleviate congestion and potential environmental damage through the town routes.

The road includes badger tunnels to protect local setts and there are two signal-controlled pedestrian crossings to create safe walking routes through from the countryside on the northern side of town to Boyton Place, and onto the town centre.

Stacy Brett, Deputy Managing Director for Persimmon Homes Suffolk, said: “We are delighted to reach this key milestone in the delivery of our flagship development in North West Haverhill.

“We would like to thank those living and working in Haverhill for their patience and understanding over the last two years as we have worked to bring this road to fruition.

“The project has suffered from several delays and involved relocating a major gas main. However, with the opening in sight we know residents will soon benefit from improved journey times across town.”

Councillor Chris Chambers, Suffolk County Council Cabinet Member for Transport Strategy, said: "I am delighted that this road is now about to open.

"It is a landmark investment in Haverhill and will bring significant benefits to the town and the people who live and work there." 

Cllr Jim Thorndyke, Cabinet Member for Planning at West Suffolk Council, said: “This relief road is important to the community and to the sustainable growth of the town and we are now looking forward to seeing the road complete, open and in use for the benefit of the local community.”