Planned roadworks in the East of England: weekly summary for Monday 15 to Sunday 21 February 2016
Planned new and ongoing road improvements over the coming week.
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.
New work
A14 Rowley Mile services, Newmarket: barrier repair
We are repairing the crash barrier in the centre of the A14 at the Rowley Mile services near Newmarket, and relocating the signs for the BP service stations onto the exit slip road to improve safety. We will be working between 9pm and 6am from Tuesday 16 February for two weeks. A lane will be closed on the A14 in both directions while we are working. You will still be able to access the services.
A47 Redmoor roundabout, Wisbech: new signage and markings
We are installing new direction signs and markings at this roundabout to improve safety. We will be working between 9pm and 5am from Wednesday 17 February for three nights. Traffic lights will be operating at all four approaches to the roundabout while we are working.
Ongoing work
M11 and A120 Stansted Airport: surface repairs
We are repairing the road surface of the M11 and A120 at Stansted Airport as part of a major scheme, which should be completed by July. We are also putting in new signs to make the road easier to navigate. We will be working between 8pm and 6am, with a number of road closures, lane closures and slip road closures. There will also be some daytime lane closures with speed limits in place. Where necessary, there will be a clearly signed diversion route in place.
This week we are continuing repair work on the M11 southbound approach at junction 8 (Stansted Airport). We will be working between 8pm and 6am until Tuesday 16 February. While we are working the M11 will be closed southbound from junction 10 (Duxford) and junction 9A (Stumps Cross) to 8. There will be a clearly signed diversion whereby drivers will exit the M11 at junction 10 and the A11 at junction 9A, take the A505 to Royston, the A10 southbound to the A120, then the A120 to re-join the M11 southbound at junction 8.
We are repairing an embankment on the M11 at junction 6 (M25), working during the day to remove trees and vegetation. This will make the embankment more secure and reduce the risk of flooding. We expect to complete this by July.
We are repairing the M11 exit slip road at junction 8 (Bishop’s Stortford). We will be working from Wednesday 17 to Thursday 25 February. Traffic will be diverted south on the M11 to exit at junction 7, then return northbound on the M11 to junction 8.
M11 Stansted Airport to M25: carriageway repairs
We are repairing and improving the M11 between junctions 8 (Stansted Airport) and 6 (M25). Work should be completed by mid-March. There will be lane closures and speed restrictions throughout the works and a number of road closures between junctions 8 and 6, with all work taking place between 10pm and 6am.
This week we are repairing the M11 southbound between junctions 8 and 7 (Harlow). From Thursday 11 to Tuesday 16 February the M11 will be closed southbound between the two junctions. There will be a clearly signed diversion where drivers will take the A120 west towards Bishops Stortford, then the A1184 through Sawbridgeworth, onto the A414 at Harlow before re-joining the M11 at junction 7.
We are repairing the M11 northbound at junction 7 (Harlow). The M11 will be closed beneath the junction from Wednesday 17 to Friday 19 February, with traffic exiting and returning back onto the M11 at the same junction
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 the end of June. The work is part of Highways England’s commitment to improve safety and ensure better journey experiences across the East region’s busiest roads. Sign up to stay informed of latest closures and works.
This week we are repairing the bridge over the River Cam eastbound at junction 34 (Horningsea), from Monday 15 to Friday 19 February, working between 8pm and 6am with the A14 eastbound closed while we are working between junctions 33 and 34. There will be a clearly signed diversion where drivers will exit at junction 33, taking the A10 north to Stretham and then east on the A1123, passing through Wicken to Fordham, then taking the A142 south to re-join the A14 at junction 37 (Newmarket). Traffic for junction 32 will turn around to go west on the A14 to junction 35, exit and take the A1303 west and then head north on the B1047.
We are repairing the embankment and the bridge on the A1307 Huntingdon Road. A lane closure is in place in both directions as well as a 40mph speed limit, to remain in place 24 hours a day with the other lane remaining open.
We are renewing and restoring the safety barrier in the centre of the road between junctions 31 (M11 interchange) and 34 (Horningsea). We will be working between 8pm and 6am, with work expected to be completed in April. While we are working there will be lane closures in both directions between the junctions overnight with a 40mph limit throughout the works.
We are resurfacing the northbound exit slip of junction 13 of the M11 (Madingley Road) over 6 weekends (Friday night to Monday morning) until Monday 7 March, working between 10pm and 5am. Northbound traffic will continue north on the M11 to junction 14 and head east on the A14 to junction 32, returning westbound on the A14 to the A428 and then to the entry slip from the A1303 where the diversion ends. Traffic wishing to return to the A1303 Madingley Road will continue to the Hardwick junction taking the exit and return east on the A428 to the Madingley exit slip, where the diversion ends.
M40 junction 1A to 10, Bucks and Oxfordshire: overhead signs replacement
We are replacing the overhead message signs on the M40 between London and Bicester with new models. There will be hard shoulder closures and we will be working between 9.30am and 4.30pm as work begins. We will be replacing the signs between 10pm and 5am, with some slip roads closed. This work will be completed by the end of March.
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 5 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: work to the existing crossing at the Artillery Way/Old Nelson street/High Street junction started on 11 January for 6 weeks. The existing controlled pedestrian crossing will be removed and replaced with a realigned crossing along High Street, including the installation of new signage, surfacing and pavements to its approaches.
Work will be carried out under off peak lane closures using 2 way temporary traffic signals between 9:30am and 3:30pm. The existing pedestrian crossing will be decommissioned and a temporary crossing put in place for the duration of the works.
Night work will be required to install the traffic signal connections between 6:30pm and 7am.
A12 Lowestoft – Gunton Hall Pinch Point: work to the existing eastern footpath between Gunton Avenue and Bentley Drive roundabout will start on 18 January for 4 weeks. The existing eastern footpath will be widened, operations include the removal of trees, reconstruction and installation of new signage, fencing, resurfacing and lining. Work will be carried out under lane closures using 2-way temporary traffic signals between 9:30am and 3:30pm. Night work may be required for surfacing and road markings between 6:30pm and 7am.
A12 Lowestoft Camden Street/High Street: work to the existing eastern and western footpaths on A12 Jubilee Way between St Margaret’s Street and Camden Street will start on 18 January for 5 weeks. The work includes 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. Work will be carried out under lane closures between 9:30am and 3:30pm. Night work will be required for the traffic signal connections, street lighting installation, surfacing and street markings between 6:30pm and 7am.
A12 Lowestoft – Gunton Church Lane/Hollingsworth: works to the existing eastern and western footpaths on A12 Yarmouth Road between Gunton Church Lane and Hollingsworth Road will start on 25 January and last approximately 7 weeks. The works include 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. Works will be carried out under off peak lane closures between 9:30 am and 3:30 pm. Night work will be required to install duct crossings for the street lighting and traffic signal, and surfacing and lining between 6:30pm and 7:00 am.
A12 Witham to Marks Tey: works to the existing northern footpath on the A12 between Witham and Marks Tey and A1304 through Kelvedon, started on 25 January and will last approximately 11 weeks. The existing northern footpath is to be widened and operations include, full depth reconstruction and the installation of new kerbs, signage, fencing, resurfacing and lining. Works will be carried out under night lane closures between 9pm and 5am.
A12 Lowestoft – Bentley Drive/Foxburrow Hill roundabout: works to the existing eastern and western footpaths on A12 Yarmouth Road between Foxburrow Hill roundabout and Foxes Walk will start on 15 February for 7 weeks. The works include 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. Works will be carried out under off peak lane closures between 9:30am and 3:30pm. Night work will be required to install duct crossings for the street lighting and traffic signal, as well as surfacing and lining between 6:30pm and 07am.
A12 Lowestoft – Foxburrow Hill: works to the existing western footpath on A12 Yarmouth Road between Weston Road and Foxes Walk start on 15 February for 3 weeks. The works include the clearance of overgrown vegetation, installation of edgings, tactile paving, signage and surfacing. Works will be carried out under off peak lane closures between 9:30am and 3:30pm.
A1(M) Huntingdon to Peterborough: overhead signs replacement
We are replacing the overhead message signs on the A1(M) between Huntingdon and Peterborough with new models. There will be some overnight lane and slip roads closures, which will be clearly signposted in advance with a diversion to the next A1(M) junction and back.
There will be a third phase of work between the end February and March to switch the signs on, which will also require lane and slip road closures. The work is planned for completion in spring 2016.
A5-M1 Link (Dunstable northern bypass), Bedfordshire: major improvements
We are building a new 2.9 mile, 2 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 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: on the A5, travelling from the A505, roundabout traffic has been realigned and now runs on the east side of the carriageway on one lane in each direction to allow for embankment work. Overnight three way traffic lights will be on A5/A505 between 8pm and 6pm. Two way traffic lights will be in place on the A5120 West at the junction with Thorn Road on 17-19 February between 09:30am and 3:30pm.
Luton Road will be closed at the junction with Sundon road to the roundabout at Toddington Road for one night on 18 February for a road crossing installation. A signed diversion will be in place.
Work on the major improvement is due to complete in spring 2017. For more information, visit the scheme page
A12 Essex: improvements
We are working to improve the A12 in Essex and Suffolk, making the road safer and improving the road surface. We are also putting in place new signs to make the road easier to navigate. Work at various locations along the route will be ongoing until spring 2016. The work is part of Highways England’s commitment to improve safety and ensure better journey experiences across the East region’s busiest roads. Works take place overnight between 8pm and 6am and not at weekends so as to minimise disruption for drivers. Sign up to stay informed of latest closures and works.
This week we are reconstructing an embankment and repairing drainage and boundary fencing at Colchester, with work expected to be completed by mid-April. The A12 will be closed northbound between junction 27 and 29 while we are working, with traffic diverted onto the A133 and A1232 to re-join the A12 at junction 29.
We are resurfacing a section of the northbound carriageway and replacing markings at Colchester between junction 27 and 28, with work expected to be completed on Monday 22 February. This work will be undertaken during the same northbound closure as the aforementioned embankment works and traffic will use the same diversion route.
We are repairing drainage on the A12 at Colchester between junction 27 and 28, with work expected to be completed by mid-March. This work will be undertaken during the same northbound closure as the aforementioned embankment works and traffic will use the same diversion route.
We are undertaking testing work in advance of a scheme to renew sections of the central reserve safety barrier at Ipswich on the A14 between junctions 56 (A137, Wherstead) and 58 (A12, Levington), which is due to start on 22 February for 3 weeks. On 17 February there will be lane closures between the junctions while we are working and a reduced speed limit in place.
A12 Brentwood: bridge joint repairs
We are repairing the joints on the Trueloves Bridge where the B1002 Roman Road crosses over the A12 at Heybridge, between junctions 12 and 13 of the A12. We will be working between 8pm and 6am until Sunday 21 February. While we are working, the B1002 will be closed where it passes over the A12. To access the north side of the bridge, traffic will take the A12 south until the next junction, then exit and follow the B1002. For the south side, drivers will take the A12 northbound to junction 14, head south to junction 13 and then exit.
A14 Orwell to Levington: surveys
We will be carrying out pavement investigations until Thursday 11 February, with overnight lane closures will be in place while we are working.
A14 Ipswich, Suffolk: Orwell Bridge safety improvements
Work to introduce a new speed limit, improve road markings and install new traffic signs as part of a package of measures to improve safety on the A14 Orwell Bridge in Suffolk is underway and is expected to complete by spring 2016. This work will also see the installation of average speed cameras enforcing a new speed limit of 60mph.
Most of the work will be carried out between 8pm and 6am involving lane closures and some road closures between junctions 56 to 57 with some minor work taking place on the verges during the day.
There are lanes closed on the A14 in both directions between junctions 55 and 58 between 8pm and 5am until mid-March.
A47 Thorney Toll: safety improvements
We are installing extra signs and road markings along this stretch of the A47 at Thorney Toll, where there have been a number of incidents. We will be working between 9pm and 6am and expect to be finished by Friday 12 February. There will be traffic lights in place while we are working between Thorney and Guyhirn. The road will be closed while we are working to replace studs in the centre of the road on Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 February.
There will be a clearly signed diversion in place where eastbound traffic will exit before Thorney to head south at Whitepost roundabout, taking the A1139 to Fletton Interchange, then east on the A605 towards Whittlesey, continuing through Coates and heading north to Guyhirn, then north on the A141 and re-joining the A47 at the A141 Guyhirn roundabout. The diversion will be the reverse for westbound traffic.
A138 Chelmer Village, Chelmsford, Essex: Chelmer Viaduct replacement
Work to rebuild the viaduct at Chelmer on the A138 started on 17 March 2015. The major improvement work on the Chelmer Viaduct in Chelmsford will take approximately 18 months to complete.
The reinforced deck construction is nearly completed on both sides of the River Chelmer. The earthworks are well advanced either side of the main viaduct structure. Initial off-line pavement surfacing works have started on the embankment. And parapet installation is completed on the south side and has just commenced on the north side.
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.