Planned roadworks in the East of England: weekly summary for Monday 29 February to Sunday 6 March 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
M40: Essential maintenance
We are carrying out maintenance work along the M40 from junction 1 (Uxbridge, London) to 15 (Warwick). 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 10pm and 7am.
This week we are:
Working on the M40 southbound from junction 1A (M25) diverge point with the exit slip road to the merge point with the entry slip road from Monday 29 February to Saturday 5 March. There will be a clearly signed diversion route whereby drivers will take the A40 at junction 1 northbound and travel around Denham roundabout to re-join the M40 at junction 1.
Working on the northbound entry and exit slip roads from junction 4 (High Wycombe) to the A404 overnight on Tuesday 1 March. There will be a clearly signed diversion route whereby drivers wishing to exit will continue to junction 5, exit and turnaround to return southbound to junction 4. Traffic for the A404 will exit at junction 4, travel around the roundabout to head south on the M40 to junction 2, then return back on the M40 to junction 4. Traffic wanting to enter the M40 northbound will take the M40 southbound to junction 2, exit and return northbound.
Working on the northbound exit and entry slip roads of the M40 at junction 6 (Lewknor/B4009) overnight on Wednesday 2 March. There will be a clearly signed diversion route whereby drivers exiting the M40 will continue north to junction 7, exit and return southbound the junction 6. Drivers wishing to join the M40 will head southbound on the M40 to junction 5, exit and return northbound.
Working on the northbound exit and entry slip roads of the M40 at junction 10 (Ardley/A43) overnight on Thursday 3 March. There will be a clearly signed diversion route whereby drivers exiting the M40 will continue north to junction 11, exit and return southbound to junction 10. Drivers wishing to join the M40 will head southbound to junction 9, exit and return north.
Ongoing work
M1 Luton to Brogborough: pavement investigations
We will be carrying out pavement investigations between junctions 10 (Luton south) and 13 (Brogborough) until Thursday 24 March. During the investigations, overnight lane closures will be in place.
M11 and A120 Stansted Airport: road 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 resurfacing the A120 at Stansted airport. We will be working between 8pm and 6am which is due to finish on 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.
In the same location 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. From Monday 29 February to Wednesday 2 March and on Friday 4 March we will be working under lane closure with speed restrictions in place.
On Tuesday 1 March we are repairing the northbound exit link to A120/Stansted Airport at junction 8. The link road will be closed and a clearly signed diversion route will direct drivers to exit the M11 at junction 8 and take the A120 eastbound to Stansted Airport via Priory Wood Roundabout.
On Thursday 3 March the M11 will be closed beneath junction 7, with traffic exiting and returning back onto the M11 northbound 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.
You can stay informed of latest closures and works by visiting our website.
This week 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 will be installing new hospital signs for Addenbrookes hospital on the M11 north and southbound between Monday night (29 February) and Wednesday night. There will be no diversion route required for this.
M40 junction 1A to junction 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.
A1M Welwyn to Stevenage: pavement investigations
We will be carrying out pavement investigations between junctions 6 (Welwyn) and 7 (Stevenage) from Monday 29 to Tuesday 1 March. During the investigations, overnight lane closures will be in place.
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 25 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 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 the end of 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 for nine 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 8 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 7am.
A12 Lowestoft – Foxburrow Hill
Works to the existing western footpath on A12 Yarmouth Road between Weston Road and Foxes Walk will start on 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.
A12 Katwijk Way – St Peters Street
Work to the existing eastern and western footpaths on Katwijk Way and St Peters Street between St Peters Street roundabout and Clapham Road Central started on 22 February and will last 9 weeks.
The work includes the upgrade of the existing controlled pedestrian crossing on St Peters Street to a toucan crossing, widening of the southern footway, widening of the footway around the southern end of the roundabout, and installation of a new footpath to the eastern verge on Katwijk Way. The work includes full construction, installation of new kerbs, paving, street lighting, signage, and lining.
Works will be carried out under off peak lane closures between 9:30am and 3:30pm.
Night work will be required to remove/install street lighting, install traffic signals and traffic loops, and install road markings between the hours of 6:30pm and 7am.
A120 Parkeston roundabout
Work to the existing footpath on the A120 Parkeston Roundabout started on 22 February and will last for four weeks. The work includes improvements to the uncontrolled crossings and footway widening to the northern and southern sides of the Parkeston roundabout, and resurfacing of the eastern approaches to the roundabout. The work includes full construction, installation of new kerbs, and edgings, surfacing, signage, and lining. There will be 24 hour lane closures to the roundabout approaches with work being carried out between 7.30am and 5pm.
A5 Chalk Hill
Work which includes the removal of existing signage, road markings and studs, and installation of new road markings on A5 Chalk Hill between Sewell Lane and French’s Avenue will start on 28 February for one week. The work will be carried out under night lane closures using traffic signals between 7pm and 6am.
A5 Dunstable North
Work to upgrade the existing pedestrian crossing to a toucan crossing on A5 between junctions of Winfield Street and Regents Street will start on 28 February for three weeks. The work includes the installation of a new toucan crossing, installing new kerbs, edgings and paving, signage, and lining to its approaches. The work will be carried out under night lane closures using traffic signals between 7pm and 6am.
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.
A third phase of work to switch the signs on, which will also require lane and slip road closures. The work is planned for completion in spring 2016.
This week we are working on the southbound on slip road at junction 16 (Norman Cross). Traffic wanting to join the A1(M) here will be diverted northbound to junction 17, where they will exit and return south. This work will be completed on Thursday 3 March.
We are working on the northbound entry and exit slip roads at junction 15 (Sawtry). Drivers wanting to join the A1(M) northbound will be diverted via Toll Bar Way onto the B1043 northbound to join the A1(M) at junction 16, while drivers wanting to exit will diverted to junction 16, where they will exit and return south to junction 15. Work will finish on the on slip on Tuesday 1 March and on the off slip on Wednesday 2 March.
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 3 way traffic lights will be on A5/A505 between 8pm and 6pm.
There will be 2 way, off peak traffic lights occasionally in place for day-time work on the B579 Luton Rd near Vauxhall and into Chalton village.
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 at by visiting 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. 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 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), with work expected to be completed on 4 March. There will be lane closures and speed restrictions in place while we are working.
We are replacing road markings and studs at various locations on the A12.
On Monday 29 February we will be working at junction 15 (A414/B1002). The northbound exit and entry slip roads will be closed simultaneously and a lane will also be closed on the A12 past the junction while we are working. Traffic wishing to exit the A12 will be diverted north to junction 16 and return south to exit at junction 15. Traffic wishing to enter the A12 will be diverted south to junction 13 and return north past junction 15.
On Tuesday 1 March we will be working at junction 17 (A130/A1114). The northbound exit and entry slip roads will be closed simultaneously and a lane will also be closed on the A12 past the junction while we are working. Traffic wishing to exit the A12 will be diverted north to junction 18 and return south to exit at junction 17. Traffic wishing to enter the A12 will be diverted south to junction 16 and return north past junction 17.
On Wednesday 2 March we will be working at junction 18 (A414). The northbound exit slip road will be closed and a lane will also be closed on the A12 past the junction while we are working. Traffic wishing to exit the A12 will be diverted north to junction 19 and return south to exit at junction 18.
On Thursday 3 March we will be working between junctions 29 (A120/A1232) and 30 (B1029). The southbound entry slip road will be closed from Ipswich Road and a lane will also be closed on the A12 past the slip road while we are working. Traffic will be diverted onto Ipswich Road, Gun Hill, The Street, Lower Street, Upper Street and the B1029 to join the A12 southbound at junction 30.
On Thursday 3 March we will be working between junctions 29 (A120/A1232) and 30 (B1029). The southbound entry slip road will be closed from Birchwood Road and a lane will also be closed on the A12 past the slip road while we are working. Traffic will be diverted onto Birchwood Road, Wick Road then Park Lane to join the A12 northbound before returning south at junction 30.
On Friday 4 March we will be working on the northbound entry slip at junction 29 and the Turnpike Close northbound entry slip. For junction 29 entry slip road closure, head southbound to junction 28 and return northbound past junction 29. For Turnpike Close northbound entry slip closure, use southbound Turnpike Close and southbound Old Ipswich Road to join A12 southbound at junction 29 and return northbound via junction 28.
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 closures are currently scheduled overnight:
- Monday 29 February & Tuesday 1 March 2016 – A1 northbound, Brampton Hut to Alconbury (hard shoulder closure)
- Monday 29 February – Friday 4 March A1 north and southbound, Brampton Hut to Alconbury
- Monday 29 February – A14/A428 westbound, junction 32 (Histon) to junction 31 (Girton)
- Wednesday 2 March – A1 northbound, Brampton Hut to Alconbury
- Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 March – A1 northbound and southbound, Brampton Hut
- Friday 4 March – A14 eastbound, junction 21 (Brampton Hut)
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, with work due to finish on Monday 29 February. 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 29 February to Friday 4 March there will be a series of overnight road closures between 10pm and 5am. The A14 eastbound will be closed between junctions 56 (Wherstead) and 57 (Ransomes Europark).
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 been carried out on the embankment. parapet installation is completed on the south side and is ongoing on the north side. Waterproofing works are due to commence on the northern deck and parapet guardrail remains ongoing.
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.