Planned roadworks in the East of England: weekly summary for Monday 22 to Sunday 28 February 2016
Summary of work being carried out this 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
M1 Luton to Brogborough: pavement investigations
We will be carrying out pavement investigations between junctions 10 (Luton south) and 13 (Brogborough) from Tuesday 23 February to and Thursday 24 March. During the investigations, overnight lane closures will be in place.
A1M Welwyn to Stevenage: pavement investigations
We will be carrying out pavement investigations between junctions 6 (Welwyn) and 7 (Stevenage) from Thursday 25 to Friday 26 February. During the investigations, overnight lane closures will be in place.
Ongoing work
M11 and A120 Stansted Airport: surface repairs
We are undertaking a number of schemes, which includes resurfacing parts of the M11 and A120, as part of a package of works. The package of works 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 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 off slip-road at junction 8 (Bishop’s Stortford). We will be working until 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.
We are resurfacing the A120 at Stansted airport. We will be working between 8pm and 6am from Friday 26 February to Thursday 3 March. There will be slip road closures and lane closures on the A120 in both directions at Stansted Airport. For the westbound off slip-road, follow the A120 west to Priory Wood roundabout, then take the A120 east and follow signage to Stansted Airport. For the eastbound on slip-road closure, follow Bassingbourn roundabout A120 westbound on slip-road, then the A120 to Priory Wood roundabout, go around it and return east to re-join the A120 east towards Braintree.
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 northbound between junctions 7 (Harlow) and 8 (Stansted Airport). Works will be completed under lane closure with speed restrictions in place.
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. You can stay informed of latest closures and works on our website.
This week:
We are repairing the bridge over the River Cam eastbound at junction 34 (Horningsea) until Monday 22 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.
We are resurfacing the A14 eastbound between junctions 26 (Hemingfords) and 29 Bar Hill on Wednesday 24th February. The road will be closed eastbound while we are working between the two junctions from 8pm to 6am. Eastbound traffic will leave at junction 26 and return via the A14 westbound to junction 23, then southbound on A1 to the A428. All traffic for the A14 eastbound between 26 and 29 will continue eastbound on the A428 and A14 to junction 32 and return westbound on the A14 to junction 30. Drivers needing to access between the two junctions, such as residents of Lolworth and Bar Hill, will be escorted through the works.
M40 J1A to J10, 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 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
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 & Bentley Drive Roundabout will start on 18 January until 31 March. 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 to 11 March. 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 18 January until 21 March. 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 & 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 until 7 March.
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, 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 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 website.
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. You can stay informed of latest closures and works on our website.
This week:
We are reconstructing an embankment and repairing drainage and boundary fencing at Colchester, with work expected to be completed by mid-April. From Monday 22 to Wednesday 24 February 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. On Thursday 25 and Friday 26 we will be working under lane closure with speed restrictions in place.
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 Tuesday 23 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 29, with work expected to be completed by the end of 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 will also be working southbound under lane closure with speed restrictions in place.
We are renewing sections of the central reserve safety barrier at Ipswich on the A14 between junctions 56 (A137, Wherstead) and 58 (A12, Levington). Works start on 22 February for three weeks and there will be lane closures with speed restrictions in place. We are resurfacing a section of the A12 southbound carriageway and replacing markings at Colchester between junctions 28 and 27. From Monday 22 to Wednesday 24 February we will be working under lane closure with speed restrictions in place. On Thursday 25 and Friday 26 the A12 will be closed southbound between junctions 29 and 27 while we are working, with traffic diverted onto the A1232 and A133 to re-join the A12 at junction 27.
A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon major improvements: survey work
We are currently carrying out topographical, drainage, pavement and street lighting surveys. We expect to complete these by the end of March. 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 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.
Lane/slip road closures are currently scheduled overnight on:
- Monday 22 February: A14 eastbound exit slip at junction 29 (Bar Hill) closed with diversion to junction 30 (Dry Drayton) to return to junction 29. Temporary traffic lights will also be in use on the roundabout.
- Tuesday 23 February: A14 eastbound entry and exit slip at junction 29 (Bar Hill) closed with diversion to next respective junction (eastbound to junction 30, Dry Drayton or westbound to junction 28, Swavesey) to return to junction 29. Temporary traffic lights will also be in use on the roundabout.
- Wednesday 24 February: A1 northbound from Buckden to Brampton Hut Thursday 25 February: A1 southbound at Alconbury; A14 westbound entry and exit slip at junction 29 (Bar Hill) closed with diversion to next junction (eastbound to junction 30, Dry Drayton or westbound to junction 28, Swavesey) to return to junction 29. Temporary traffic lights will also be in use on the roundabout.
- Friday 26 February: A14 westbound entry and exit slip at junction 29 (Bar Hill) closed with diversion to next junction (eastbound to junction 30, Dry Drayton or westbound to junction 28, Swavesey) to return to junction 29. Temporary traffic lights will also be in use on the roundabout.
A14 Rowley Mile services, Newmarket: barrier repair
We are repairing the crash barrier on the A14 westbound and westbound next to 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 until next week. A lane will be closed on the A14 in both directions while we are working. You will still be able to access the services.
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. Although much of the works to date has been undertaken within lane closures, from Monday 22 to Friday 26 February there will be a series of overnight road closures between 10pm and 5am. The A14 westbound will be closed between junctions 57 (Ransomes Europark) and 56 (Wherstead).
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.