Major roadworks lasting five months begin
Connor Bennett/BBCRoadworks due to last about five months have started, as part of long-term plans to improve connections between towns.
The work on Main Road in Martlesham, near Ipswich, focuses on the section between the A12 and Nunn Close.
Suffolk County Council is also upgrading junctions, improving crossings and widening footpaths and cycleways. The work forms part of wider plans to improve roads between Martlesham, Ipswich and Woodbridge.
Chris Hudson, Reform UK cabinet member for transport and highways, said some disruption would be "unavoidable", but the work would "deliver lasting benefits".
Connor Bennett/BBCThe council said the upgrade to Main Road would help residents reach employment areas, schools and community facilities more conveniently.
It will also link with existing infrastructure in Kesgrave and planned improvements to the east of Ipswich.
There will be two new crossings near Blacktiles Lane and Nunn Close, carriageway resurfacing, drainage improvements, and a review and upgrade to street-lighting.
"This is a significant investment in Martlesham, the benefits of which will be felt for years to come," Hudson said.
"We are creating safer crossings, better walking and cycling infrastructure, and improved connections to schools, workplaces and community facilities."
Vikki Irwin/BBCThe project forms part of the wider £64m A12 Major Road Network (MRN) programme.
The council is meeting on Tuesday to decide on planning permission for further works to the A12 in Suffolk.
This includes upgrading the single carriageway to a dual carriageway between the B1438 Ipswich Road and the B1079 Grundisburgh Road, near Woodbridge.
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