Roadworks in one of Norwich's major routes to the hospital are causing problems for motorists today (Monday).

One reader contacted the Evening News to tell how the roadworks in Earlham Road meant they ended up missing a hospital appointment, because they did not think adequate diversions sign had been put in place.

The two-week closure began today for the �341,000 reconstruction and resurfacing project on the B1108, which is closed between Wilberforce Road and Fiveways Roundabout - the section of the road which runs past the City Academy Norwich (the former Earlham High School) and the University of East Anglia.

The road is a main route for people travelling from the city centre and further afield to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Lucy Elliott was travelling from Cromer to the N&N for a routine appointment, but says diversions signs were 'sporadic to say the least' and she struggled to find her way round to the hospital and ended up missing the appointment.

She said: 'I know from when I rang the hospital to explain that I'm not the only one affected.'

A spokesman for Norfolk County Council said: 'We are sorry to hear that this lady missed her appointment, and for any disruption caused by this essential work, but we have tried to make sure that it has been well publicised on-site and through broadcasters and the print media.'

As work progresses access to University Drive will be restored from the west on Thursday.

Fiveways Roundabout and the access to the Tesco store next to the roundabout will remain open until the night of Tuesday, August 23. The roundabout will then be closed to all traffic until work is complete on Friday, August 26. Access to the Tesco store will be possible from the west as soon as the Earlham Road approach to the roundabout has been resurfaced.

The spokesman added: 'Warning and diversion signs were put out before work started. For anyone coming from the Cromer direction along the ring road towards the hospital, a large sign in the central reservation before the right turn on to Earlham Road warns of the closure. The diversion route via Newmarket Road goes to the alternative hospital access from Cringleford, so it should not have been necessary to follow the whole route back to the B1108.

'The work is being carried out now because it is the school holidays and traffic is relatively light. However, people should consider allowing extra time for journeys in this area of Norwich, or finding an alternative route.'

Has the roadworks caused problems for you? Contact reporter Kim Briscoe on 01603 772419 or email kim.briscoe@archant.co.uk.

The full programme of roadworks and diversions is as follows:

Phase 1 Wilberforce Road to University Drive

Monday, August 15, to Wednesday, August 17. Road closed between Wilberforce Road and Fiveways Roundabout. Roundabout to remain open. Access to be maintained to Tesco store. Diversion via A140 Colman Road and Mile End Road, A11 Newmarket Road, A47 Southern Bypass & B1108 Watton Road.

Phase 2 University Drive to Fiveways Roundabout

Thursday, August 18 to Monday, August 22. Road closed but with access to Tesco store as per Phase 1. Earlham Road open from University Drive westwards. Diversion via A140 Colman Road and Mile End Road, A11 Newmarket Road, A47 Southern Bypass & B1108 Watton Road.

Phase 3 Fiveways Roundabout

Tuesday, August 23, to Friday, August 26. Fiveways Roundabout will be closed with no access from Earlham Road, Bluebell Road, Gipsy Lane or Earlham Green Lane. Diversion via A140 Colman Road and Mile End Road, A11 Newmarket Road, A47 Southern Bypass & B1108 Watton Road.

Please note that this programme of work is subject to adverse weather conditions and delays may occur.

Up-to-date information about roadworks in Norfolk is available on the county council website at www.roadworks.norfolk.gov.uk.