Efforts to repair the A47 street lights in Lowestoft, Suffolk, have hit another setback, with National Highways announcing new delays.
Despite promises to address the issue this June, the repair timeline has been disrupted yet again due to substantial damage to the power pillar on Jubilee Way.
The pillar, which supplies power to the lights along this key road, was recently struck by a vehicle, causing damage that requires specialized repairs.
Residents, who have raised safety concerns for more than two years, are frustrated by the ongoing delays. Local councillor Wendy Brooks, who organized a protest to highlight these risks, emphasized that the lack of lighting on the A47 poses serious safety hazards for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.
“When you drive along St Peter’s Street, just before the roundabout, you suddenly hit extreme darkness,” Brooks warned, describing the experience as “a nightmare.”
National Highways explained that, due to the extent of the pillar damage, a specialized team is needed to reconnect the replacement structure to the power grid.
Although a local company has been hired for the repairs, a confirmed start date remains pending, fueling frustration among Lowestoft residents.
Earlier this year, National Highways issued a public apology for the prolonged delays affecting the A47 street lighting.
The agency had previously cited complications with the feeder pillar on Jubilee Way and revealed that it was sourcing LED lighting as replacements for outdated sodium lights in the area. However, the unanticipated vehicle impact has added to the repair timeline.
As safety concerns grow, residents and local officials continue to urge National Highways for a swift resolution to restore proper lighting on Lowestoft’s main road.
The community now awaits confirmation on when these essential repairs will begin, hoping to see overdue improvements that enhance road safety in Lowestoft.
