Traffic lights installed at junction after crashes

Sizewell C says three-way traffic lights will be installed as a "precaution"

Temporary traffic lights have been installed at a junction following a series of crashes where roadworks are being carried out.

The development of Sizewell C in Suffolk includes building a roundabout on the A12 at the Friday Street junction, which will be linked to a new bypass for Farnham and Stratford St Andrew.

But concerns were raised this week about "confusing" traffic signals at the site and Suffolk Police confirmed it was investigating three collisions.

Sizewell C, which is building a nuclear power station nearby and is in charge of the roadworks, has now said three-way traffic lights will operate there from the evening rush hour until 06:00 GMT the next day to improve safety.

The roadworks on the A12 junction with the A1094 at Friday Street began in the summer and will run until the spring

Traffic barriers will also be replaced with cones and the position of road signs will be reviewed to help give better visibility to motorists.

"As a precaution, we're working closely with Suffolk County Council and the police to respond to concerns about traffic management on Friday Street," a spokesperson said.

"At Sizewell C, safety is and will always remain our top priority. We will continue to monitor the area daily and adapt our traffic arrangements to protect both road users and our workforce."

Councillor Julia Ewart raised concerns about the safety of the junction after a series of collisions

The changes come days after Independent East Suffolk councillor Julia Ewart warned drivers to "stay away" from the area.

She also told the BBC she had flagged the issue of "the treacherous site" with the Health and Safety Executive.

"The right-of-way has changed and it's made it quite difficult for people to understand what's going on," she added.

"It's then got a plethora of lights, and in the dark you actually can't see what's going on. On a night by night basis, there are accidents happening."

More than 15,000 vehicles use the stretch of A12, from the villages of Farnham and Stratford St Andrew to the junction with the A1094 for Aldeburgh, every day, according to the Department for Transport.

Suffolk County Council and Suffolk Police said they were working closely with Sizewell C and would continue to discuss traffic management.

The works are likely to be in place until the spring.