Press release

Planned roadworks in the East of England: weekly summary for Monday 1 August to Sunday 7 August 2016

Summary of work being carried out this coming week.

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The following information summarises the work being carried out this coming week. It is correct as of the above date but could be subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. All our improvement work is carried out with the aim of causing as little disruption as possible.

New work

A5 Milton Keynes: barrier repairs

We are replacing safety barriers that protect bridge supports along the northbound and southbound verges of the A5 by Milton Keynes. The work will be undertaken on weekdays between 8pm and 6am to minimise disruption and should be completed early December.

The work will be completed under lane closure however some full closures are required to install temporary barrier and road markings. A clearly signed diversion route will be in place when the road is closed.

The speed limit will be reduced to 50mph past the works and this will remain in place during the day. Also, while both lanes of the A5 will be open during the day, they will have to be narrowed.

This week we are working on the A5 southbound from the A508 Old Stratford Roundabout to the A422 Monks Way Interchange.

On Monday 1 and Tuesday 2 August the road will be closed to prepare for the first phase of work. Drivers will be diverted to take Towcester Rd, London Rd, Queen Eleanor St, Stratford Rd and Great Monks St (V5) to re-join the A5 southbound at the A422 Monks Way Interchange.

From Wednesday 3 to Friday 5 August we will be replacing safety barrier under night-time lane closure with narrow lanes and a 50mph speed restriction past the works.

A12 Bascule Bridge: pavement surveys

We are surveying pavements along the A12 between Bascule Bridge and Sparrows Nest, starting on Monday 1 August until Tuesday 2 August. These will be done overnight using mobile slow-moving vehicle on the hard shoulder or carriageway. Where there is just one lane on either side of the road, traffic lights will be used.

Ongoing work

A12 Witham: bridge repairs

We are working to refurbish Olivers Bridge, where the A12 crosses B1018 Maldon Road, just to the east of Witham. This is to complete essential repairs to the bridge structure and resurface the road across it.

The work is due to finish before November. To keep road users at a safe distance from the works, we will need to close part of each side of the A12 while we are working. We will install a contraflow with narrow lanes, keeping two lanes open on the A12 in both directions. This contraflow will be in place continuously throughout the duration of the work, along with a 40mph speed limit.

In order to install this contraflow and complete some of the work, some overnight closures of the A12 in both directions will be necessary. These will be carried out between 10pm and 6am to minimise disruption to road users. On these nights when the A12 is closed, there will be a clearly signed diversion route in place whereby drivers will take the B1389 through Witham to re-join the A12.

Drivers of abnormal loads (wider than 2.9 metres) will be unable to use the contraflow due to the narrow lanes. When travelling northbound and we are working on the A12 northbound, such drivers will be diverted to: Take the M25 westbound, then the M11 northbound, A11 north-east, and then A14 eastbound to re-join the A12. Similarly, southbound drivers will take this route in reverse when we are working on the A12 southbound. This diversion route for drivers of abnormal loads will be in place for both directions simultaneously during the overnight road closures.

From Monday 1 to Tuesday 2 August there will be a lane two closure in both directions, but there will be two narrow lanes kept open in each direction.

From Wednesday 3 to Sunday 7 August there will be a lane one closure in both directions, but there will be two narrow lanes kept open in each direction.

A428 St Neots to Caxton: road repairs

We are working to repair and improve the A428 between St Neots and Caxton in four separate sections. We will be working on weeknights between 8pm and 6am and expect this work to be finished by November.

Stretches of the A428 will be closed while we are working.

Currently we are working between Eltisley (junction with the B1040) and Caxton Gibbet roundabout, until Tuesday 16 August. We will also be removing a small number of hazardous trees that are dead and at risk of falling into the carriageway.

When heading westbound, drivers will be diverted to take the A1198 at Caxton Gibbet, at Godmanchester follow the A14 westbound to junction 21, at Brampton Hut take the A1 southbound and follow the A1 southbound to Wyboston roundabout, where the diversion ends.

Drivers heading eastbound will follow this diversion in reverse.

We will also be resurfacing the Caxton Gibbet roundabout on Friday 5 August and Monday 8 August. During this time the roundabout will be partially closed as we will be resurfacing the roundabout in two halves.

On Friday 5 August, we will be resurfacing the Papworth side of the roundabout. Drivers heading eastbound on the A428 will need to follow the A428 westbound, the A1 northbound to A14 at junction 21, Brampton Hut, follow A14 eastbound to Spittals, then take the A14 eastbound to Girton and re-join the A428. Those heading westbound will follow the A428 as normal. Those travelling across the roundabout, from Papworth to Caxton, will need to follow the A1198 north to Godmanchester, join the A14 eastbound to Girton and re-join the A428 westbound.

On Monday 8 August, we will be resurfacing the Caxton side of the roundabout. Drivers heading westbound on the A428 will need to follow the A428 eastbound to the A14 at Girton, A14 westbound to Spittals, A14 to junction 21, at Brampton Hut and then take the A1 southbound towards St Neots. Those heading eastbound will follow the A428 as normal. Those travelling across the roundabout, from Caxton to Papworth, will need to follow the A1198 south to the junction with the A603, the A603 to the M11 at junction 12, the M11 north to the A14 and then follow the A14 to Godmanchester where it joins the A1198.

Various roads: barrier repairs

We will continue repairs to crash barriers throughout the week, using lane closures to keep road users at a safe distance from the work. The work will take place at various locations working between 8pm and 5am.

Various roads: litter picking and sweeping

We will continue litter picking throughout the week on the A1(M), the M1 and the M11. These will be done using a mobile slow-moving hard shoulder or lane closure. We will also be sweeping the hard shoulder of the M11 during the day, and the central reservation at night.

M11: routine maintenance

We will be doing routine maintenance of structures and technology boxes along the M11 during the day. There will be no impact on road users.

M11 and A12: inspections

We are continuing to do inspections throughout the week. There will be lanes closed while we are working overnight.

M11: pothole repair and debris collections

We are continuing to repair potholes and collecting debris overnight throughout the week along the M11. This will be done using a mobile slow-moving lane closure.

M11 and A120 Stansted Airport: road repairs

We are repairing embankments on the M11 as part of a wider package of works which included resurfacing on M11 and A120 and putting in new signs, that commenced earlier this year. The package of works should be completed in October. Most of our work will be between 7am and 5pm, with a hard shoulder closure and temporary speed limit in place

This week we are repairing an embankment on the M11 northbound at junction 6 (M25), working during the day to remove the embankment and then reconstruct it by replacing the material. This will make the embankment more secure and reduce the risk of flooding. We expect to complete this in August. The hard shoulder is closed and there is a 50mph limit in place where we are working.

We are removing the existing temporary crash barrier with lanes closed while we are working. Once the barrier has been removed we will be resurfacing the hard shoulder and repairing drainage, working overnight with lanes closed on the motorway.

We are repairing an embankment on the M11 at junction 7 (Harlow). During the work, the hard shoulder is closed at this location and there are narrow lanes and a 50mph limit.

We are repairing an embankment on the M11 at junction 8 (Stansted). The hard shoulder is closed at junction 8 with a 50mph limit in place while we are working. We expect this work to take around three months to complete.

M11 and A14 Cambridgeshire: improvements

A package of work to carry out resurfacing, safety barrier renewal, bridge repairs, embankment repairs, replacing and installing new signs, repairing damaged kerbs and replacing road markings on the A14 and M11 in Cambridgeshire, has started and will continue until early August. The work is part of Highways England’s commitment to improve safety and ensure better journey experiences across the East region’s busiest roads.

You can stay informed of latest closures and works on our website.

We are currently carrying out embankment repairs on the A14 westbound at junction 33 (Milton).

This week’s work will involve the A14 westbound carriageway closed between junction 33 Milton exit and entry slip roads from Wednesday 3 August to Thursday 4 August. Traffic will be diverted via the exit slip road onto the roundabout and back down the entry slip road.

We are currently working on the A1307 Huntingdon Road Bridge replacing worn out bridge joints and surfacing.

This week’s work will involve a weekend road closure on the A1307 inbound and outbound across Huntingdon Road Bridge from 8pm on Friday 5 August to 6am on Monday 8 August. Traffic for the A1307 inbound will be diverted via the A14 eastbound to junction 32 Histon onto the B1049 Histon/Cambridge Road and back onto the A1307.

Traffic for the A1307 outbound will be diverted from the junction with Girton Road to the junction with the B1049 Cambridge/Histon Road and onto the B1049 to the A14 junction 32 Histon roundabout and onto the A14 westbound.

M40: visual messaging signs repairs

We are continuing to repair signs along the M40. This work will involve closing lanes and the hard shoulder between 9pm and 5am while we are working.

A1(M): maintenance

We are carrying out maintenance work along the A1(M) between Huntingdon and Peterborough. This includes sweeping, drainage clearing, litter picking, re-painting white lines, vegetation clearance, lighting maintenance and repair works. There will be overnight closures while we are working between 9pm and 6am. A 50mph speed limit remains in place southbound between the Sawtry Toll Flyover and the Alconbury Interchange. We expect to complete this work by Monday 15 August.

This week we are working on the A14(M) southbound from junction 14 (Alconbury) to the A14 (end of motorway). Drivers will be diverted to remain on the A1(M), leave at junction 21 (Brampton Hut) and follow the A14 eastbound to junction 23 (Spittals Interchange), where they can re-join the A1(M).

We are working on the A1(M) southbound from junction 14 (Alconbury) to the end of the A1(M). Drivers will be diverted to take the A14(M) and then the A14, exiting at junction 23 (Spittals Interchange), heading to junction 21 (Brampton Hut) to re-join the A1 southbound.

We are working on the A1(M) southbound at junction 15 (Sawtry) to the end of the A1(M). Drivers will be diverted to take the B1043 adjacent to the A1(M), either joining the A14 southbound there or continuing to Alconbury to join the A1 southbound.

We are working on the A14(M) southbound entry and exit slip roads at Rusts Lane, and the A1(M) southbound entry slip road at junction 15 (Sawtry). Drivers will be diverted to take the B1043 southbound to Alconbury, then the A1 to Brampton Hut, exiting onto the A14 and heading eastbound to junction 23 (Spittals Interchange), where they can re-join the A1(M).

We are building a new 2.9-mile, two-lane dual carriageway running from north of Dunstable and joining the M1 at a new junction 11a, south of Chalton. Main construction started in March 2015.

Work on the M1

We have started work on the new M1 junction and bridges. The traffic management, including hard shoulder closures, safety barriers, signs, CCTV and average speed cameras, will stay in place throughout the junction construction work, which will be carried out in phases and should be finished in spring 2017 as the scheme nears completion. There will also be overnight lane closures when required, which will be clearly signed.

Work on the A5 and local roads

The A5 will be closed between the A505 and Dunstable Road from 10pm on Friday 29 July until 6am on Monday 1 August. During this time changes will be made to the road layout at the new junction with the A5 link road to enable completion of the new roundabout. A signed diversion will be in place over the weekend.

From Monday morning (1 August) there will be a new road layout at this location for the A5 and Thorn Road. There will be no right turn onto Thorn Road from the A5 northbound as well as no right turn onto the A5 from Thorn Road. The northbound diversion follows the A505 to the roundabout junction with the A4146 and continues along the A4146 to where it meets back with the A5. The southbound diversion is the reverse of the northbound.

Cycle improvements schemes in Suffolk, Essex, Norfolk and Bedfordshire

We are building or improving cycle paths at 17 locations across the East of England including on the A12, A120, A47 and A5. The work includes the installation of new and upgraded shared-use foot/cycle ways and toucan crossing facilities.

The new or improved paths will make it safer and easier to cycle on or around major A-roads and will improve connections with the local and national cycle network. The project is part of a country-wide initiative which will see Highways England deliver 200 projects over the next five years after the government set up a £100 million dedicated fund for cycling in its Road Investment Strategy.

Ongoing work for this week

A12 Lowestoft – High Street / Old Nelson

There will be no work taking place this week, although UK Power Network plans to start work at this location later in August. The existing controlled pedestrian crossing was removed and replaced with a realigned crossing along High Street, including the installation of new signage, surfacing and pavements to its approaches.

A12 Lowestoft Bentley Drive

UK Power Network will be working at this location between Wednesday 3 and Friday 5 August to upgrade the crossing. Traffic will be reduced to one lane on the A12 northbound.

A12 Lowestoft Camden Street / High Street

UK Power Network will be working on the verge from Monday 1 until Wednesday 3 August. The work included the installation of a new toucan crossing and localised widening of the existing eastern and western footways, as well as installation of new kerbs, street lighting and signage.

A12 Lowestoft – Gunton Church Lane / Hollingsworth

There will be no work taking place this week, although UK Power Network plans to start work at this location in September. The work included the installation of a new toucan crossing and localised widening of the existing eastern and western footways, operations include full depth construction, installation of new kerbs, street lighting, signage, surfacing and lining to its approaches.

A12 Lowestoft – Jubilee Way

There will be no work taking place this week, although UK Power Network plans to start work at this location later in August. The work included the widening of the existing western footpath and the installation of a new toucan crossing on the northern arm of the roundabout. Operations include full depth construction, installation of new kerbs, paving, street lighting, signage, and resurfacing and road markings to the approaches.

A12 Lowestoft – Station Road/Gunton St/Peters Avenue

There will be no work taking place this week, although UK Power Network plans to start work at this location in September. The overall work includes the removal of the existing anti-parking measures along the eastern footpath. Operations include, installation of new kerbs, paving, street lighting, signage, and resurfacing to the footway.

A11: grass cutting

We will be cutting grass on the A11 between Newmarket and Norwich from Monday 1 to 5 August between 8pm and 5pm, using a slow-moving mobile lane closure.

A12 Lowestoft: road inspection

We will have lane closures in place overnight while we are completing a thorough inspection of the road surface of the A12 in Lowestoft throughout the week.

A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon major improvements: surveys

We are currently carrying out topographical, drainage, pavement, existing services and street lighting surveys. We expect to complete these in the summer.

These surveys allow us to map the layout and level of the existing road and assets (such as bridges), drainage network and adjacent land, so that we can fully understand the landscape we will be working in and finalise the design of the new road.

Surveys are taking place along the whole of the scheme route. This includes the land where the new Huntingdon southern bypass would be built and the existing A1 and A14 that form part of the scheme. Surveys of the existing route will require lane closures in both directions and, wherever possible, will take place at night only (usually between 8pm and 6am) to minimise any disruption to traffic. No heavy machinery or plant equipment will be used. We have no planned lane closures on the network for next week.

A14 Ipswich: Orwell Bridge maintenance

We are working beneath Orwell Bridge near Ipswich at either end of the bridge. Some of the work we are doing to maintain the bridge is within the bridge, but there are no restrictions to traffic using the A14 crossing the bridge.

A47 Dogsthorpe: junction improvements (Peterborough City Council

Peterborough City Council is continuing its junction improvement work at the A47/A15 Dogsthorpe junction, Peterborough. The work will involve some overnight full closure and 24/7 lane closures on the A47.

For more information, visit the Peterborough City Council website.

A138 Chelmer Village, Chelmsford, Essex: Chelmer viaduct replacement

The new viaduct structure opened to traffic on Monday 18 April 2016.

Works are now on-going under the structure to facilitate installation of grass cell and prepare permanent maintenance roads and fencing.

Demolition works started on 23 May on the old structure on both the northern and southern sides working towards the river. This is now substantially complete and work is on-going to clear the debris from site which will be completed by end of August.

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

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

Published 29 July 2016