Major sections of the A12 in Suffolk have begun to soften and melt as the region experiences a prolonged period of extreme heat. The phenomenon has prompted significant safety concerns from road users and officials, with temperatures in Suffolk recently surpassing 30C.
Luke Payne, a 50-year-old decorator from Kesgrave, first noticed the issue on Tuesday while travelling on the A12 near Wickham Market. By Wednesday afternoon, he reported that the condition had worsened considerably. Mr Payne described seeing "wide stretches of the A12 actually melting" and expressed alarm after discovering tar residue on his tyres, which he noted could severely affect grip and pose a significant danger, particularly for less experienced drivers. He also reported a pungent smell of tar while driving on the affected sections. Similar melting was observed further north towards Yoxford on Wednesday.
Suffolk Highways has confirmed it is actively monitoring the situation on the A12. While no immediate treatment has been applied, a spokesperson stated that safety measures would be implemented across the county where necessary. The RAC's road safety spokesperson, Rod Dennis, previously indicated that darker patches on road surfaces are often a clear sign of softening. He suggested that councils might resort to deploying gritting vehicles, typically used in winter, to apply a fine layer of granite dust, which helps maintain traction on melting roads.
The extreme heat responsible for the road damage has led to several weather warnings from the Met Office for Suffolk, alongside a red heat-health alert issued by the UK Health and Security Agency. The Met Office has cautioned that the high temperatures could lead to adverse health effects, changes in daily routines and working practices, and potential delays on transport networks, including roads.
Beyond road infrastructure, the heat has also impacted local services. Cedarwood Primary School in Kesgrave and Great Barton Church of England Primary Academy in Bury St Edmunds both announced closures due to the challenging conditions, underscoring the widespread disruption caused by the current heatwave.