Press release

Planned roadworks in the East of England: weekly summary for Monday 6 to Sunday 12 June 2016

Summary of the 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. All our improvement work is carried out with the aim of causing as little disruption as possible.

New work

Motorways: litter picking

We will be litter picking throughout the week on the A1(M), the M1 and the M11 between junctions 6 (M25) and 9 (A11). These will be done using a mobile slow-moving hard shoulder or lane closure.

M11: inspections

We will be doing inspections on the M11 in both directions between junctions 6 (M25) and 8 (Stansted Airport). There will be lanes closed while we are working overnight.

M11: pothole repair and debris collections

We will be repairing potholes and collecting debris overnight throughout the week along the length of the M11.

Various roads: weed spraying

We will be spraying for weeds on the A11 for weeds throughout the week. This will be done using a mobile slow-moving lane closure.

A1(M) Huntingdon to Peterborough: maintenance work

We will be carrying out bridge inspections, surfacing, road marking, stud replacements, safety fence tensioning, sign changes and cleansing and sweeping on the A1(M) southbound.

From Wednesday 8 to Thursday 9 June we will be working on the A14(M) near Little Stukeley. The road will be closed southbound from the diverge point with the A1(M) to the end of the A14(M) at Little Stukeley while we are working between 8pm and 6am. The A14(M) southbound exit slip road will also be closed during this time.

There will be a clearly signed diversion route in place, with drivers directed to remain on the A1(M) southbound to join the A1. They will exit the A1 at Brampton Hut, taking the A14 east to junction 23 (Spittals Interchange), either taking the A14 southbound or heading northbound to Alconbury and Rusts Lane.

A1 Peterborough: resurfacing

We are repairing the A1 northbound between junction 17 and the Wansford Interchange overnight on Friday 10 June, working between 8pm and 6am. The road will be closed while we are working, with a clearly signed diversion route in place. Drivers will exit the A1(M) at junction 17, taking the A1139 east, then the A1260 north to junction 15 of the A47, turning west and continuing to Wansford Interchange to re-join the A1 northbound.

A11: gulley clearing

This week we will be clearing gulleys on the A11, subject to weather conditions. This will be done using a mobile slow-moving lane closure.

A12 Lowestoft: Bascule Bridge maintenance

We will be carrying out routine maintenance works on the A12 Bascule Bridge at Lowestoft. This will be between Monday 6 and Tuesday 7 June, from 8pm to 6am. 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 re-join A12 northbound (Yarmouth Road) by turning left at Tesco roundabout toward Great Yarmouth. Southbound traffic will follow the same route 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). From Monday 6 June the hard shoulder will be closed here and there will be narrow lanes and a 50mph limit.

We are repairing an embankment on the M11 at junction 8 (Stansted). On Tuesday 7 June we will be working overnight to install hard shoulder closures and a 50mph limit here. The M11 southbound will be closed while we are working from junction 10 (Duxford A505) to junction 8 (Stansted Airport). There will be a clearly signed diversion route in place, with drivers directed to take the A505 to join the A10 and then the A120 to re-join the M11 at junction 8. From Wednesday 8 June the hard shoulder will be closed at junction 8 with a 50mph limit in place while we are working. We expect this work to take around three months to complete.

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 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.

We are repairing the bridge joints on the M11/A14 Girton Interchange, and will be working using overnight road closures on weekdays in three phases over the next six weeks. Starting on Monday 6 June for around a fortnight, the M11 southbound between the A14/M11 diverge point to the M11 junction 14 entry slip road will be closed. There will be a clearly signed diversion route in place, with drivers taking the A14 eastbound to junction 32 (Histon), where they will exit and return on the A14 westbound to re-join the M11 at J14.

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, 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 northbound at junction 1 (Uxbridge). We will be working from Friday 10 to Saturday 11 June. Drivers will be diverted to leave the A40 at junction 1, travel around the Denham roundabout and join the M40 northbound at junction 1.

Wen are working on the M40 northbound exit slip road at junction 13 (Bishop’s Tachbrook) and northbound entry slip road at junction 14 (A452 Warwick). We will be working from Sunday 12 to Monday 13 June. Traffic looking to exit at junction 13 will continue northbound to junction 15 (A46 Warwick), exiting and returning southbound to leave the M40 at junction 14. There they will take the A452 to return to junction 13 of the M40. Drivers looking go join the M40 at junction 14 will take the A452 southbound, then join the M40 southbound at junction 13. They will exit at junction 12, taking the B4451 to re-join the M40 northbound, returning to junction 14.

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 have 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 related sections. Minor traffic management will remain in place at the signals until all work is completed. The existing controlled pedestrian crossing was 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 included 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.

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 has been completed as much as possible. We will have to return at a later date with UK Power Network to finish electrical elements and minor resurfacing. The work included 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.

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 being 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 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 with UK Power Network to programme to finish electrical elements and minor resurfacing.

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.

A12 Lowestoft – Jubilee Way

Work to the existing western and northern arm of the Jubilee Way St Peters Street Roundabout. Work will continue until 6 June and we will have to return at a later date with UK Power Network to finish electrical elements and minor resurfacing. The work included 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 17 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. Electrical work will be undertaken around 6 June to complete the Toucan crossing.

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, A14 and A47, and on the M11 between junctions 6 (M25) and 9 (A11).

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 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.

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.

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 day-time 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 day-time work on the A5120 between Thorn Road and Tebworth Road.

The B579 Luton Rd will be closed between Houghton Rd and Water End Lane from 8pm Friday 10 June to 6am Monday 13 June to carry out utilities works. 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: Huntingdon Railway Viaduct inspections

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 expect to finish work 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, and;
  • take the B1514 and Nursery Road clockwise, exiting to return to the viaduct.

Drivers heading west will follow this diversion in reverse.

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. There are no surveys planned for the coming week.

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.

Demolition works have started on the old structure on both the northern and southern sides working towards the river. This is expected to last for 7 weeks. Demolition will be independent from the new structure and will not impact traffic flows.

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 3 June 2016