Press release

Planned roadworks in the East of England: weekly summary for Monday 4 to Sunday 10 April 2016

Summary of work being carried out this coming week.

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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

A11 Green Bridge to Tuttles: resurfacing

We are repairing the A11 at Wymondham between Monday 4 and Friday 8 April, working from 8pm to 6am. The A11 will be closed between the Spooner Row and Tuttles Interchanges in both directions but we will be closing one carriageway at a time. There will be a clearly signed diversion in place, for northbound closures, traffic will be diverted north on the B1172 through Wymondham to re-join the A11 at Tuttles Interchange. This diversion will be reversed for southbound closures.

M1 junction 10 to 13: pavement surveys

We are carrying out pavement surveys between Monday 4 and Friday 8 April. During the investigations, overnight lane closures will be in place.

A428 Cambourne: resurfacing

We are repairing the A428 at Cambourne between Tuesday 5 and Thursday 7 April, working from 8pm to 6am. The A428 will be closed eastbound between the A1198 roundabout at Ermine Street and the entry slip road for Cambourne while we are working. Drivers wishing to travel east on the A428 will be diverted north on the A1198 to the A14 junction 24, then head east on the A14 to junction 32 where they will leave and return west on the A14 to junction 31A, where the A14 becomes the A428. Drivers will continue heading west to Cambourne where the diversion ends.

Ongoing work

M1: sign maintenance

We are carrying out maintenance work to the overhead gantries on the M1 northbound between junctions 8 and 10. There will be full carriageway closures while we are working between 10pm and 5am. The M1 will be closed between junction 8 and 9 from Monday 4 to Wednesday 6 April. There will be a clearly signed diversion route, whereby drivers will take the A414 from junction 8 through A4147 to re-join M1 north at junction 9. The M1 will be closed between junctions 9 and 10 from Thursday 7 and Saturday 9 April. The diversion will a clearly signed diversion route, whereby drivers will take join the A5 at junction 9 and continue through to A505 to re-join M1 north at junction 11.

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 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.

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 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.
  • 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 and plan to finish the work by the end of April. While we are working there will be lane closures in both directions between the junctions overnight with a 40mph limit throughout the works.
  • closing the A428 westbound under the Cambridge Road bridge on Thursday 7 April for one night to install a single lane closure that will remain in place for about six weeks. Work will involve vegetation clearance and repairs to the embankment, construction of access steps and a platform for inspection.

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 6am.

This week we are:

  • working on the M40 southbound at junction 9 (A34/A41 – Bicester) as the motorway goes under the junction, from Monday 4 to Tuesday 5 April. Drivers will exit at junction 9 and then return at the same junction on the other side of the work.
  • working on the M40 southbound at junction 1A (M25) as the M40 passes over the M25, from Monday 4 to Friday 8 April. Drivers will exit at junction 1A to take the M25 northbound to junction 17, where they will exit and return southbound to re-join the M40 at junction 16.
  • working on the A40 Oxford Spur in both directions from junction 8 of the M40 to the A418 entry slip road, plus the northbound exit of the A418, from Thursday 7 to Saturday 9 April. Drivers looking to exit the M40 will be diverted to continue north on the M40 to exit at junction 8A, taking the A418 west to join the A40 northbound. Drivers looking to join the M40 will head east on the A418 to join the M40 at junction 8A.
  • working on the M40 in both directions at junction 1 (Uxbridge) as the M40 passes over the A40, from Friday 8 to Saturday 9 April. Drivers will exit the M40 to take the A40 southbound, exiting at the Swakeleys roundabout and returning.

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 and the majority of work will be completed in early April. We will need to return at a later date to complete the signal work and resurface sections. 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.

Surfacing of the carriageway will take place on 4 and 5 April under a closure between 6.30pm and 7am.

A12 Lowestoft – Gunton Hall Pinch Point

Work to the existing eastern footpath between Gunton Avenue & Bentley Drive Roundabout is almost complete and is expected to finish early April. 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 early May. 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 mid-April. We will need to return at a later date to complete signal work and resurfacing. There will be further work for almost two weeks towards the end of April. 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 carry out surfacing and road markings from 6 and 8 April under a carriageway closure 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 will last until the end of April. 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 finish by the end of April. 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 continue until early April while we finish off some minor work.

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 will last until early May.

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 will last until early April. 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 a night closure at the A120 Parkeston roundabout to St Nicholas roundabout from 5 April to 7 April between 7pm and 6am.

A47 Hockering

Work to the A47 to provide a path linking existing cycle routes between North Tuddenham and Hockering will finish in April. The work includes construction of a new cycle path along the verge of the A47, installation of new kerbs, edgings and paving, fencing, drainage, signage and lining. The work will be carried out under lane closures overnight with traffic signals between Fox Lane Bridge and Mill Lane from 7.15pm until 7am.

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.

From Wednesday 16 March, we are starting work on installing beams for the new M1 junction 11A bridge and B579 Luton Road bridge. This work will continue until 10 April and we will need to close the M1, one direction at a time and overnight only between 10pm and 6am during the work, as well as close lanes in the opposite direction to the full closure when required, to carry out the work safely.

Overnight closures next week – weather permitting:

  • 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 April beam lift for the Luton Road Bridge - M1 northbound full closure, M1 southbound lane closures.
  • 9 April beam lift for Luton Road M1 southbound full closure, M1 northbound lane closures

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.

There will be two-way, off-peak traffic lights occasionally in place for day-time work on the B579 Luton Rd near Vauxhall and into Chalton village.

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 north of Colchester at junction 29, with work expected to be completed by early May. The A12 will be closed northbound beneath junction 29 while we are working, with drivers diverted to exit at the junction and re-join on the other side of the works.

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 and/or traffic light closures are currently scheduled on:

  • Monday 4 to Wednesday 6 April 2016: Boxworth Road, Swavesey. Two way traffic light closure
  • Monday 4 April: A14 junction 31 (Girton)/A428 westbound. Lane closure
  • Tuesday 5 April: A14 eastbound exit slip road, junction 31 (Girton)
  • Wednesday 6 April: A14 junction 30 (Dry Drayton)/Oakington Road. Narrow lanes
  • Thursday 7 April: B1050 Longstanton. Two way traffic light closures
  • Thursday 7 April: A14 junction 30 (Dry Drayton)/Oakington Road. Two way traffic light closures
  • Friday 8 April: The Avenue, Girton. Two way traffic light closures
  • Friday 8 April: B1514 Brampton Road. Two way traffic light closures

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 almost complete, we have some drainage and repair work to carry out which 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. Much of the work will be undertaken within lane closures.

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 the end of June. 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.

There will be two weekends where we expect 24 hour closures. The A14 will be closed between Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 April. The second closure is expected to be in May. Further details of these closures, which are dependent on works progress, will be released closer to the time. Throughout the weekend closures there will be a clearly signed diversion route in place.

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 continues and will take approximately 18 months to complete.

We are installing the vehicle parapet rails and work has commenced on installing the vehicle restraint system. Work to the traffic islands at either end of the tie in is also underway.

The A138 Chelmer Viaduct will be closed for new bridge work on Saturday 16 April from 8pm to Monday 18 April at 6am. Local diversion routes will be in place on both sides of the existing A138 viaduct between the Boreham Interchange and the Army and Navy Roundabout via the Junction 17 of the A12 and the A1114 Southend Road.

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.

Published 5 April 2016