Press release

Improving the A14 in Ipswich

Improvement work will start on Monday (9 February) on the A14 in Ipswich between Stowupland and Copdock.

Road users will benefit from smoother, safer journeys thanks to the Highways Agency improvement scheme between junctions 49 and 58 in Ipswich.

The scheme which includes resurfacing, drainage renewal, replacing barriers, embankment work and removing defects in the road, will start on Monday and is due to be completed by Friday 20 March, weather permitting.

The work will be carried out in four phases, overnight during the week, between 8pm and 6am

Highways Agency project sponsor, Andy Dyer said:

This is a £1 million scheme which is taking place to prolong the life of the carriageway. The work has been designed to improve the surface of the road and improve safety for road users, while minimising the need for future maintenance works in these locations.

We ask that drivers take care travelling through the roadworks and along the diversion routes. “We always try to minimise inconvenience to road users when we are carrying out work, which is why the scheme has been planned to take place overnight, so I would urge motorists to plan ahead and allow extra time in case of any delays.

The work is being carried out in four phases:

  • The first phase will begin on Monday (9 February) between junctions 49 and 50 (Stowupland). The eastbound carriageway will be closed for three nights for resurfacing and motorists will be diverted via the A1308 and A1120. At the same time, under lane closures drainage renewal work will be carried out for six nights and central reserve barrier work on the westbound carriageway for three nights.

  • The second phase will begin on Tuesday (10 February) between junctions 51 and 52 (Pesthouse Lane). The eastbound carriageway will be closed for eight nights for resurfacing and motorists will be diverted via Norwich Road and Old Ipswich Road. There will also be works on the westbound exit slip road at junction 52 (Claydon) for resurfacing for three nights from 3 March and motorists will be diverted to junction 51 and back.

  • The third phase will begin on Monday 23 February between junctions 52 and 55 (Copdock). The carriageway will be closed in both directions for removing defects in the road for five nights and motorists will be diverted via the B1113, A1071 and A1214. At the same time, barrier repair work will be carried out. There will also be works on the westbound entry slip road at junction 55 (Copdock) for resurfacing for three nights from Monday 2 March and motorists will be diverted to junction 54 and back.

  • The final phase will begin on Monday 25 February between junctions 55 and 58 (Levington). The eastbound carriageway will be closed for two nights for resurfacing and motorists will be diverted via the A1214, A1189 and A1156. At the same time, under lane closures drainage renewal work will be carried out for 10 nights and central reserve barrier work on the westbound carriageway for three nights.

During the overnight closures there will be clearly signed diversion routes in place.

The work is dependent on suitable weather conditions, and dates may be subject to change.

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways Agency press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.

Published 6 February 2015