Planned roadworks in the East of England: weekly summary for Monday 30 May to Sunday 5 June 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. All our improvement work is carried out with the aim of causing as little disruption as possible.
Please note roadworks will be lifted from Friday 27 May to Monday 30 May included for the bank holiday across the region except, although some traffic management will need to stay in place for safety reasons. For more information see our website.
New work
Various roads: barrier repairs
We will be doing repairs to crash barrier throughout the week, working overnight only and using lane closures to keep road users at a safe distance from the work. The work will take place at various locations including along the A11 Thickthorn to Newmarket, A12 Brentwood to Marks Tey, M11 junctions 6 to 9, M1 and A14.
Motorways: litter picking
We will be litter picking throughout the week on the A1(M) between junctions 6 (Welwyn Garden City) and 10 (Baldock), the M1 between junctions 6A (M25) and 14 (Newport Pagnell), and the M11 between junctions 6 (M25) and 14 (A14 Girton Interchange). These will be done using a mobile slow moving hard shoulder or lane closure.
Various roads: weed spraying
We will be spraying for weeds on the M1, A1, A421 and A414 central reservations and slip roads. We are also spraying for weeds on the A428 dual carriageway section central reservation and nearside verge, then spraying the nearside verge in both directions of the single carriageway section. These will be done using a mobile slow-moving lane closure.
M11: safety inspections
We will be doing safety inspections on the M11 southbound during the daytime. There will either be lane or hard shoulder closures during the inspections.
A12 and A120 Marks Tey: fence and footpath repairs
We will be repairing a fence along the A12 northbound at Marks Tey during the daytime. We will also be repairing footpaths in this location. There will either be lane or hard shoulder closures during the work.
A1 Buckden: barrier replacement
We are working to repair and replace the crash barrier in the central reservation of the A1 between St Neots and Buckden. We will start work on Tuesday 31 May, and expect to finish by mid-June. We will be working between 8pm and 6am on weeknights only.
To keep road users at a safe distance from the work, we will need to close the central lane of the A1 on either side and close the gaps used to pass across the central reservation while we are working. There will also be a 50mph speed limit in place 24/7 throughout the duration of the works.
A14: Huntingdon Railway Viaduct
We are working on the A14 as it passes over the B1514 Brampton Road and the East Coast Mainline Railway to inspect the road and ensure the bridge is in a good condition following work to strengthen it a year ago. We will start work on Saturday 4 June and expect to finish by August. We will be working between 10pm and 6am over weekends to coincide with Network Rail’s closures.
To keep road users at a safe distance from the works, we will need to close the B1514 Brampton Road below the A14 viaduct. We will put a clearly signposted diversion route in place, whereby drivers heading east will:
- take the B1514 out of Huntingdon
- join the A14 at junction 22
- join the A141 at junction 23
- exit to join the B1044 at Stukeley Meadows
- head south onto Ermine Street
- take the B1514 and Nursery Road clockwise, exiting to return to the viaduct
Drivers heading west will follow this diversion in reverse.
Ongoing work
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 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 by July. The hard shoulder is closed and there is a 50mph limit in place where we are working.
We are repairing an embankment on the M11 at junction 7 (Harlow), with work on this starting overnight. On Tuesday 31 May and Wednesday 1 June there will be a lane closed and the northbound exit slip road will be closed at this junction while we are working ahead of further work starting at this location next week. There will be a clearly signed diversion route in place, with drivers directed to continue north to junction 8 (Stansted), exit and return south to junction 7.
We are repairing an embankment on the M11 at junction 8 (Stansted), with work on this starting overnight. On Wednesday 1 June there will be a lane closed on the M11 southbound at the junction while we are working ahead of further work starting at this location next week.
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 July. 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.
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 working on the A428 eastbound from Madingley to Girton – the right hand lane is chicaned off before drivers are directed to drive in it with the left lane closed for works. There is a 50mph speed limit and 2.9 metre (9ft 6in) width restriction that will remain in place 24 hours a day.
We will be closing the A428 eastbound on Tuesday 31 May between 8pm and 6am, from Hardwick to Girton. We will be removing the Cambridge Road Bridge 24/7 static temporary lane closures, speed restriction and width restriction. There will be a clearly signed diversion route in place, whereby drivers will be directed from Caxton Gibbet onto the B1198 to Huntingdon and then to re-join the A14 eastbound.
We are repairing the joints on the Cambridge Road bridge where it crosses the A428 by Madingley. Cambridge Road will be closed in both directions at the bridge and we will be working between 9.30am and 3.30pm. Drivers will be diverted along Cambridge Road, Church Lane, St Neots Road (A1303) and then back onto Cambridge Road.
M40: 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, repainting white lines, vegetation clearance, lighting maintenance and repair works. There will be overnight closures while we are working between 10pm and 6am.
This week we are working on the M40 northbound entry and exit slip roads at junction 11 (Banbury). We will be working from Tuesday 31 May to Wednesday 1 June. There will be a clearly signed diversion route in place whereby drivers looking to enter the M40 will head southbound to junction 10 (Ardley), exit and return north. Drivers looking to leave the M40 will continue north to junction 12 (Gaydon), exit and return southbound the junction 11.
We are working on the M40 northbound entry slip road at junction 1 (Uxbridge). We will be working from Wednesday 1 to Thursday 2 June. There will be a clearly signed diversion route in place whereby drivers will continue along the A40 to Swakeleys roundabout, exit and return to the M40.
We are working on the M40 northbound exit slip road at junction 3 (Loudwater). We will be working from Wednesday 1 to Thursday 2 June. There will be a clearly signed diversion route in place whereby drivers will continue north to junction 4 (High Wycombe), exit, and take the A404 to the A40, returning to junction 3.
We are working on the M40 northbound entry and exit slip roads at junction 10 (Ardley A43). We will be working from Thursday 2 to Friday 3 June. There will be a clearly signed diversion route in place whereby drivers looking to enter the M40 will head southbound to junction 9 (Wendlebury A41), exit and return north. Drivers looking to leave the M40 will continue north to junction 11 (Banbury), exit and return southbound the junction 10.
We are working on the M40 northbound entry and exit slip roads at junction 8A (A418 Waterstock). We will be working from Friday 3 to Saturday 4 June. There will be a clearly signed diversion route in place whereby drivers looking to enter the M40 will head southbound to junction 6 (Lewknor), exit and return north. Drivers looking to leave the M40 will continue north to junction 9 (Wendlebury A41), exit and return southbound the junction 8A.
We are working on the M40 southbound exit slip road at junction 1 (Uxbridge). We will be working from Saturday 4 to Sunday 5 June. There will be a clearly signed diversion route in place whereby drivers will take the A40 to Swakeleys Roundabout, exit and return northbound to join the M40.
We are working on the M40 southbound entry slip road at junction 3 (Loudwater). We will be working from Saturday 4 to Sunday 5 June. There will be a clearly signed diversion route in place whereby drivers will take the A40 and A4094 past Beaconsfield, then the A355 to re-join the M40 at junction 2.
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 temporary puffin crossing will continue until late May. We will need to return at a later date with UKPN to complete the signal work and resurface related sections. Minor traffic management will remain in place at the signals until UKPN has been undertaken. We are currently working with UKPN to programme this. 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.
A12 Lowestoft Camden Street/High Street
Work to the existing eastern footpath on A12 Jubilee Way between St Margaret’s Street and Camden Street has been completed as much as possible. We will need to return at a later date with UK Power Network to complete the signal work and resurface sections. We are currently working with UK Power Network to programme this. 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.
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 continue until May. We will have to return at a later date to finish electrical elements and minor resurfacing. The work includes 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.
A12 Witham to Marks Tey
Works to the existing northern footpath on the A12 between Witham & Marks Tey and A1304 through Kelvedon will last until mid June. 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 8pm and 5am.
A12 Lowestoft – Bentley Drive/Foxburrow Hill roundabout
Work to the existing eastern and western footpaths on A12 Yarmouth Road between Foxburrow Hill roundabout and Foxes Walk will complete this week. We will have to return at a later date to finish electrical elements and minor resurfacing. 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. On 9 May there will be one night closure between 6.30pm and 7am to install traffic loops.
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 will last until mid June. We will have to return at a later date to finish electrical elements and minor resurfacing. We are working with UK Power Network to programme this. 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. From 9 May to 11 May there will be night time closure on Adrian Road between 7pm and 6am for crossing installation.
A12 Lowestoft – Jubilee Way
Work to the existing western and northern arm of the Jubilee Way St Peters Street Roundabout. Work will continue until late May and we will have to return at a later date to finish electrical elements and minor resurfacing. We are working with UK Power Network to programme this. The work includes 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. Work will be carried out under off peak lane closures between 9:30am and 3:30pm.
A12 Lowestoft – Station Road/Gunton St/Peters Avenue
Work to the eastern footpath on A12 Yarmouth Road between Station Road and St Peters Street will continue until early June. We will have to return at a later date to finish electrical elements and minor resurfacing. We are working with UK Power Network to programme this.
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. Work will be carried out under off peak lane closures between the hours of 9.30am and 3.30pm. Once UK Power Network has completed their work we will then have some resurfacing to complete.
A5 Dunstable North
The aim of the scheme is to upgrade the crossing to a Toucan crossing. The construction elements of this work are complete. On or around 6 June electrical work needs to be undertaken to complete the Toucan crossing.
A5 Milton Keynes: barrier replacement
We will soon be replacing the crash barrier in central reservation everywhere it protects bridge piers along the A5 as it passes through Milton Keynes. Currently there are just layby closures in place as we prepare for the main works.
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 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:
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.
There will be two way, off peak traffic lights occasionally in place for daytime work on the B579 Luton Rd near Vauxhall and into Chalton village.
There will be two way, off peak traffic lights occasionally in place for daytime work on the A5120 between Thorn Road and Tebworth Road.
The B579 Luton Road will be closed between Sundon Park Road and Cloverdale Road from 8pm to 6am on 31 May, 1 and 2 June for utilities works and preparation of the new roundabout tie-ins. A signed diversion will be in place during this time
The A5120 will be closed between Thorn Road and Tebworth road from 8pm on Friday 3 June to 6am Monday 6 June during which time traffic will be switched onto the new roundabout layout where the A5120 meets the new link road. A signed diversion will be in place during this time.
A11 Red Lodge: layby improvements
We are working to improve safety on the A11 at the northbound layby near Red Lodge by bringing the entry and exits up to current standards. The works also include resurfacing the layby and approximately 350 metres of the inside lane of the A11. We will soon be having overnight road closures with clearly signed diversions in place to complete this work. Currently we are just working in the layby without disrupting traffic.
A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon major improvements: survey work
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.
Surveys are currently scheduled for:
- Tuesday 31 May to Friday 3 June: A428/A14 overnight eastbound lane closure on the A428 and A14
- Tuesday 31 May to Friday 3 June: overnight A14 westbound lane closure
A14 Stowmarket: Hill House viaduct repairs
We are repairing the A14 on the Hill House viaduct between junctions 49 and 50 as it passes Stowmarket. This work should be completed by July. We will be working between 8pm and 6am on weekdays and some weekends during this period. While we are working we will close the A14 in one direction, installing a contraflow system in place so that traffic can still use the A14. The A14 will have to be closed for one night in each direction while we install the contraflow. When the A14 is closed, there will be a clearly signed diversion route in place. There will be a 40mph speed limit in place 24/7 throughout the works to protect the ramps and exposed parts of the road we are working on. For a short section of this there is a 20mph speed limit while drivers pass over the ramps. Currently we are working on the eastbound and westbound carriageway of the A14 at a time, which will be closed overnight while we are working during the week and partial lane closures if required during the weekend. Due to this, contraflow will be running on the eastbound or westbound carriageway as required with traffic able to continue travelling in either direction, but only in one lane while passing our works.
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.
Work is also underway to facilitate demolition of the old structure which includes removal of existing services and preparation for the subsequent earthworks and demolition. This includes the implementation of temporary protection measures to existing services during demolition. Demolition will be independent from the new structure and will not impact traffic flows.
A428 Madingley Road: resurfacing
We are repairing and maintaining the A428 at the Cambridge Road Bridge by Madingley, working from 8pm to 6am. We expect this work to be completed by July. To keep road users at a safe distance from the works, we have a lane closed eastbound with barriers, a 50mph speed limit and a 9ft 6in width restriction. This lane closure is in place 24/7 for the duration of the works from Cambridge Road and Madingley to the A1303.
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.