Works to install the "much needed" crossing on a stretch of busy A-road in Carlton Colville, Lowestoft began last September, following a six-year campaign.

A new toucan crossing on the busy A146 Beccles Road in Carlton Colville, Lowestoft is still not in use. Image: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

But after five weeks of work last year the new toucan crossing and shared cycle track on the A146 Beccles Road - near to the Carlton Marshes nature reserve and visitor centre on Burnt Hill Lane - has yet to be unveiled.

Traffic lights have been in place, but are still covered up by Suffolk Highways even though they were due to open in early November.

A new toucan crossing on the busy A146 Beccles Road in Carlton Colville, Lowestoft is still not in use. Image: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The crossing has now not been used over almost five months due to delays with a cable from UK Power Networks.

County councillors Jenny Ceresa and the late Melanie Vigo Di Gallidoro had worked with Highways, Suffolk Wildlife Trust and Carlton Colville Town Council to deliver the project that had been discussed for six years - with funding from their locality budgets as well as councillors Jamie Starling, Ryan Harvey and Craig Rivett.

Suffolk County councillors Jamie Starling, the late Melanie Vigo Di Gallidoro and Jenny Ceresa pictured last October near to where the new toucan crossing is to be installed on the A146 Beccles Road in Carlton Colville, Lowestoft. Image: Jenny Ceresa (Image: Jenny Ceresa)

Councillor Ceresa said: "After working on the Beccles Road crossing to provide both pedestrians and cyclists with a safe way to cross the road, councillors are frustrated it is still not open.

A new toucan crossing on the busy A146 Beccles Road in Carlton Colville, Lowestoft is still not in use. Image: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"Unfortunately, UK Power Networks were unable to attend the dates agreed so the project has been delayed."

Suffolk county councillors Ryan Harvey and Jenny Ceresa at the Beccles Road crossing, which is still not in use. Image: Jenny Ceresa (Image: Jenny Ceresa)

Provisional dates of April 9-10 are now likely to see UK Power Networks staff laying the cable and carrying out jointing works that will require a further road closure.

Cllr Ceresa added: "Once connected we then need to book the traffic signal supplier to commission the crossing.

A new toucan crossing on the busy A146 Beccles Road in Carlton Colville, Lowestoft is still not in use. Image: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

“Having been involved with this fantastic project from the beginning six years ago and having funded this project solely with our highways locality fund it disappoints me that the crossing is not yet in use."

With hopes the "much needed crossing point on a very busy road" will open soon, Councillor Harvey said: "Being able to support this project through to completion is a fantastic achievement.

A new toucan crossing on the busy A146 Beccles Road in Carlton Colville, Lowestoft is still not in use. Image: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"I understand the frustrations caused by the traffic disruption during the works, but I am confident that once its fully operational, it will bring significant benefits to so many people."

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