Planned roadworks in the East of England: weekly summary for Monday 16 - Sunday 22 March 2014
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
A5 – H10 northbound entry slip road, Milton Keynes: Resurfacing works
Work to carry out crack sealing on the northbound entry slip road on the A5 in Milton Keynes at its junction with H10 (Bletcham Way) will take place overnight on Wednesday 18 March for one night. The work will be carried out between 8pm and 6am. During the work the northbound entry slip road will be closed. A diversion will be clearly signposted directing road users to travel southbound on the A5 to the A4146 and back to H10.
A5 – H10 northbound exit slip road, Milton Keynes: Resurfacing works
Work to carry out crack sealing on the northbound exit slip road on the A5 in Milton Keynes at its junction with H10 (Bletcham Way) will take place overnight on Thursday 19 March for one night. The work will be carried out between 8pm and 6am. During the work the northbound exit slip road will be closed. A diversion will be clearly signposted directing road users to travel via the A5 to V6 Redmoor Roundabout and back to H10.
A5 High Street, Dunstable: traffic signal replacement works
Work to replace the current traffic signals with new LED signals on the A5 (High Street) in Dunstable will take place overnight for two nights from Monday 16 March. The work will be carried out between 8pm and 5am. During the works there will be lane closures past the works controlled by temporary traffic signals.
A11/A14 Newmarket: Embankment stabilisation works
Work to stabilise the embankment alongside the A14 at junction 38 and the A11 near Newmarket will take place overnight for 15 nights from Monday 16 March. The work is being carried out between 8pm and 6am and is planned for completion by 4 April. During the work there are lane closures past the works.
A12 Bascule Bridge, Lowestoft: routine maintenance works
Work to carry out routine maintenance works on the A12 Bascule Bridge at Lowestoft will take place overnight for two nights from Wednesday 18 March. The work will be carried out between 8pm and 6am and is planned for completion by Thursday 19 March. During the work the A12 will be closed in both directions at the bridge and a diversion will be clearly signposted. Northbound traffic will travel north from the Bloodmore Lane Roundabout on the A1117 (Bloodmoor Road, Elmtree Road, Cotmer Road), right at the T-junction between A1117 Cotmer Road and A146 Bridge Road onto the A146, left onto the A1117 (Bridge Road) and over the Oulton Broad Bridge, carry on the A1117 (Normanston Drive) turning left at the roundabout with the A1144 (Normanston Drive and Millenium Way) and right along A1117 Bentley Drive, to rejoin A12 northbound (Yarmouth Road) by turning left at Tesco Roundabout toward Great Yarmouth. Southbound traffic will follow the same route in reverse.
Ongoing work
A1(M) junction 6, Welwyn: Pinchpoint junction improvement works
Work to improve the northbound entry slip road on the A1(M) at junction 6 Welwyn is taking place overnight from 2 March. These works are part of the Government’s £317m pinch point programme, which aims to boost local economies by reducing congestion and delays at key locations. The work is being carried out between 10pm and 5pm and is planned for completion by the end of May. During the works there will be a full closure of the A1(M) northbound between junctions 4 and 7. A diversion will be clearly signposted directing road users to travel via the A6129, B197, A1000 before re-joining the B197 and A602 to rejoin the A1(M) at junction 7.
A1/A47 Wansford, Peterborough: Pinchpoint junction improvement works
We are making improvements to the junction where the A1 meets the A47 at Wansford near Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, by installing traffic signals on the existing roundabout and widening local approach roads. These works are part of the Government’s £317m pinch point programme, which aims to boost local economies by reducing congestion and delays at key locations. We started the works on Thursday 15 January and have scheduled them to finish by the end of March. We are working between 8pm and 6am from Monday to Sunday.
During the week starting Monday 16 March there will be lane closures controlled by temporary traffic signals. For more information, visit the Highways Agency’s website.
A1, Black Cat roundabout, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire: Improvements
A scheme to ease congestion and improve journey time and safety (part of the Government’s £317m pinchpoint programme, which aims to boost local economies by reducing congestion and delays at key locations) started in June 2014 and, subject to weather conditions, is scheduled to last for approximately eight months. It involves a new road alignment to enlarge and widen the existing roundabout, new safety fencing, improved drainage, new surfacing on the roundabout and installation of lighting columns and traffic lights. The work will normally take place between 7.30am and 5.30pm from Monday to Friday, with occasional night-time road and lane closures. Narrow lanes are currently in place 24 hours a day in both directions and on the roundabout itself.
There will be full northbound closures from Monday 16 March to Friday 20 March from 9pm to 6am. In addition, there will be southbound lane closures throughout the week and lane closures on all approaches on Saturday 21 March.
During the closures, the A1 will be closed from Blunham to Wyboston with a diversion route leaving at Blunham along Barford Road and rejoining at Wyboston. The A421 will be closed from Cardington Junction with traffic being diverted down the A603 to Sandy roundabout, turning left for A1 North and picking up the northbound diversion.
During the road closures only, traffic will only be able to travel along Barford Road northbound, and its weight restriction will be lifted.
A5-M1 Link (Dunstable Northern Bypass), Bedfordshire: Major improvement
We are planning to build 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. The new road will reduce and improve the reliability of journey times for long distance traffic travelling around Dunstable, as well as cut congestion and promote economic growth.
Advanced works started on site in May 2014. Continuation of these works will require some road closures, which will be publicised in advance. These works are important as they will help stay on target for the planned start of the main construction work on 16 March 2015. In addition, road users and local residents are invited to attend public exhibitions in Bedfordshire this week to find out more about the scheme. The exhibitions will be held at Chalton Village Hall, Water End Lane, Chalton, LU4 9UL, on Friday 13 March from 2pm to 8pm and at The Incuba, 1 Brewers Hill Road, Dunstable, LU6 1AA, on Saturday 14 March from 10am to 4pm. The Highways Agency project team will be on hand to answer questions and explain the scheme.
Work on the major improvement is due to complete in Spring 2017. For more information, visit the Highways Agency’s website.
A12 Kelvedon: Pinchpoint average speed camera installation works
We are installing average speed cameras on the A12 in both directions between J22 Coleman’s Interchange Witham and J24 Kelvedon north. These cameras will be used to enforce the 70mph speed limit and improve safety at this location. The works are part of a multi-million improvement programme designed to boost local economies, reduce congestion and improve safety on the strategic road network. The programme is part of the UK’s Government growth initiative, outlined during the chancellor’s Autumn Statement in November 2011. The programme provides smaller scale improvements that can deliver big returns by easing congestion and making journey times more reliable for road users, including hauliers and commuters to help boost local economies and drive economic growth.
Works started on 17 February, which are being carried out overnight between 8:00 pm and 6:00 am on weeknights only, with occasional weekend working, and are scheduled to last for 6 weeks. Work will continue from Monday 16 March using overnight lane closures. For more information, visit the Highways Agency’s website.
A12 J31-33, Suffolk: Improvement works
We are in the second phase of works to improve the road network on the A12 between junction 31 (Four Sisters Interchange) and junction 33 (Copdock Interchange). We are resurfacing the carriageway and renewing road markings, repairing barriers and drainage systems and improving lighting and embankments within these works. We are working each night between 9pm and 6am and weekends between 9pm and 8am the works are being carried out under contraflow running with a reduced speed limit. From Monday 16 March there will be overnight closures for two nights in each direction between 9pm and 5am a signed diversion route will be in place. The works should finish in May.
A12 J11-12, Brentwood, Essex: Improvement works
We are in the second phase of works to improve the road network on the A12 in both directions between junction 11 (for M25) and junction 12 (for A1023 Chelmsford Road). We are resurfacing the carriageway and renewing road markings, repairing barriers and drainage systems and improving lighting and embankments within these works. We are working each night between 10pm and 6am and the work is planned for completion by the end of May. During the week commencing 16 March there will be a full closure of the A12 northbound between junctions 11 and 12. A clearly signposted diversion route will direct road users to travel via the A1023 and B1002 to re-join the A12 at junction 13. Southbound traffic will continue to follow the A12 as normal but with the reduced speed limit.
A12 Hughes Corner, near Colchester, Essex: Pinchpoint average speed camera installation works
We are installing average speed cameras on the A12 in both directions at Hughes Corner, in Suffolk. These cameras will be used to enforce the 70mph speed limit and improve safety at this location. The works are part of a multi-million ‘Pinchpoint’ improvement programme designed to boost local economies, reduce congestion and improve safety on the strategic road network. The programme is part of the UK’s Government growth initiative, outlined during the chancellor’s Autumn Statement in November 2011. The programme provides smaller scale improvements that can deliver big returns by easing congestion and making journey times more reliable for road users, including hauliers and commuters to help boost local economies and drive economic growth.
We started works on 8 February and have scheduled them to last for seven weeks. The works will be carried out overnight between 8:00 pm and 6:00 am on weeknights with occasional weekend working. Work will continue from Monday 16 March using overnight lane closures.
For more information, visit the Highways Agency’s website.
A14, Bury St Edmunds – Felixstowe: sign replacement works
Work to replace 14 signs along the A14 between Bury St Edmunds and Felixstowe will take place overnight for 15 nights from 9 March. The work will be carried out between 9pm and 6am on weeknights only and is planned for completion by 27 March. During the works there will be a lane closure in both directions on the A14 at various locations between junction 44 (Bury St Edmunds East) and A154 Felixstowe.
A14 Girton to Histon (junctions 31 to 32): Lane gain scheme
Work to improve slip roads onto the M11 and A14 and to add an additional lane on the A14 in each direction between Girton and Histon is continuing. This work, which is part of the Government’s Pinchpoint Programme, is scheduled to take place mainly during the day, with existing lanes narrowed and a 50mph speed limit imposed.
Between Monday 16 March and Friday 20 March, there will be a full closure each evening of the both the eastbound carriageway between junctions 31-32 and also the westbound carriageway between junctions 36-32. Closures will be effective between 8pm and 6am. Local diversions will be clearly signposted. The planned completion date is spring 2015. For details of the scheme, visit the Highways Agency website.
A14 Ipswich: Improvement works
Improvement work started on Monday 9 February on the A14 in Ipswich between junction 49 (Stowupland) and junction 58 (Levington). The scheme which includes resurfacing, drainage renewal, replacing barriers, embankment work and removing defects in the road is due to be completed by the end of March.
During week commencing 16 March there will be full carriageway closures as follows:
- Monday 16 March – Wednesday 18 March inclusive: A14 eastbound closed from 8pm – 6am between junction 55 (Copdock) and junction 58 (Seven Hills). A diversion will be clearly signposted directing road users to travel via A1214, A1189 and A1156 to re-join the A14 at junction 58.
- Thursday 19 March – Friday 20 March inclusive: A14 westbound closed from 8pm – 6am between junction 55 (Copdock) and junction 52 (Claydon). A diversion will be clearly signposted directing toad users to travel via A1214, A1071 and B1113 to re-join the A14 at junction 52.
A14 Huntingdon: Barrier replacement works
Work to replace sections of the central reservation barrier is being carried out on the A14 between the B660 and Spaldwick and between Brampton and Spittals near Huntingdon. Works started Monday 9 February and are due to finish by the end of April. We will be working between 8pm and 6am and will use lane 2 closures and a temporary speed limit of 40mph for safety reasons.
A47 Walsoken, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire: Junction improvements
We are making improvements to the A47 Walsoken / Broad End Road junction by installing new warning signs and renewing road markings at the location. Work should be finished by the end of March. We will work between 8pm and 6am and will use temporary traffic signals to manage traffic.
A138 Chelmer Village Way, Chemsford, Essex: Chelmer Viaduct replacement
Advance works for the major improvement work on the Chelmer Viaduct in Chelmsford are continuing. The scheme will take approximately 18 months to complete. For details of the scheme, visit the Highways Agency website.
A421 Bedford Southern Bypass Westbound: Resurfacing works
We are undertaking resurfacing works to the westbound carriageway of the A421 Bedford Southern Bypass. Works will involve renewal of the existing road surface. A 24-hour speed limit will be in place for safety reasons as working methods will require daytime traffic to run on temporary road surfaces throughout the duration of the scheme. Works started Monday 23 February and are scheduled to last for five weeks. Works will be undertaken between 8pm and 6am on weeknights. The road will be closed between its junction with the A4280 and its junction with the A6 at Elstow Traffic wishing to travel west will need to follow the clearly signed diversion route along the A4280, Newham Avenue, Longhome Way, A5140 returning to the A421 at the A6 junction at Elstow.
A421 Cardington Cross, Bedford: bridge repair works
Works are continuing to repair bridge joints and stabilise the embankment on the A421 at Cardington Cross south of Bedford. We are working between 8pm and 6am on weeknights only and the works should be completed by the end of March. To keep road users at a safe distance from the works we will need to close the A421 westbound between A4280 Goldington Road and A6 Elstow. Road users will leave A421 at the Renhold Junction onto the A4280 Goldington Road, turn left at the traffic lights onto Newnham Avenue. At the roundabout take the second exit onto Longholme Way, to the next roundabout with the A600 (London Road), take the A5140 (Rope Walk), continue along the A6 (Ampthill Road) to the A421.
A421 Castle Mill viaduct, Bedford: Drainage repair works
We are repairing the drainage on the A421 Castle Mill viaduct south of Bedford and the works should be completed by 13 May. These works will be carried out alongside the A421 Bedford Southern Bypass resurfacing works and we will need to close the A421 westbound between A4280 Goldington Road and A6 Elstow. Road users will leave A421 at the Renhold Junction onto the A4280 Goldington Road, turn left at the traffic lights onto Newnham Avenue. At the roundabout take the second exit onto Longholme Way, to the next roundabout with the A600 (London Road), take the A5140 (Rope Walk), continue along the A6 (Ampthill Road) to the A421.
A47 Peterborough: Bridge repair works
Work to carry out bridge and safety barrier repair works is continuing on the A47 at junction 18 (Lincoln Road Interchange) in Peterborough. The work is being carried out between 8am and 6pm and is scheduled to finish in April. During the works there will be a lane closure in both directions between junctions 17 and 18 with a temporary 50mph speed limit. A diversion will be clearly signposted for abnormal loads directing westbound traffic off the A47 at junction 15 (Thomas Cook Interchange) along the A1260 Nene Parkway southbound to the junction with A1139 Fletton Parkway before taking the A1139 northbound to its junction with the A47 junction 20 (Dogsthorpe). Eastbound traffic will follow this diversion in reverse.
The Highways Agency is working with the industry and road users to reduce the risks of working on the roads. For the safety of road workers and all road users, when you are approaching roadworks:
- keep within the speed limit – it is there for your safety
- get into the correct lane in good time – don’t keep switching
- concentrate on the road ahead, not the roadworks
- be alert for works’ traffic leaving or entering roadworks
- keep a safe distance – there could be queues in front
- observe all signs – they are there to help you
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.