Press release

Work on new safety measures on the A12 in Suffolk and Essex to start next week

Road users are advised that work on schemes to improve safety for drivers on the A12 at Hughes Corner near Ipswich, Sufffolk, and at Kelvedon near Colchester, Essex is set to start on Monday (2 February).

Following concerns about the number of incidents on the A12 that cause disruption and congestion at Hughes Corner and Kelvedon, the Highways Agency are introducing safety cameras to enforce the 70 mph speed limit.

The work, which will include installing average speed cameras, will be carried out overnight between 8pm and 6am, during the week.

Highways Agency Project Manager, Martin Oliver, said:

Safety is top priority for the Highways Agency, and this scheme to install average speed cameras will help to make the road safer for drivers on the A12 at these locations.

The A12 is a vital route and enforcing the speed limit is part of our commitment to keeping journeys on it safe and reliable for the thousands of drivers who depend on it every day.

We have worked with our contractors to ensure the disruption is kept to a minimum by planning the works overnight and by combining the Hughes Corner scheme with the resurfacing works on the A12 between junctions 31 and 33.

Starting on Monday 2 February for four weeks, work at Hughes Corner, between Dedham Lodge and Four Sisters Interchange, junction 29-31, will be carried out either under lane one closures northbound and southbound, or under the contraflow being used for the major resurfacing work between junctions 31 and 33 (Four Sisters and Copdock interchanges).

Starting on Monday 9 February for six weeks, for work at Kelvedon, between Rivenhall End and Easthorpe (junction 24), there will be lane one closures in both directions, and the entry and exit slip roads will be closed at junctions 23 and 24.

The work on these 3 mile and 4 mile stretches of the A12 will involve installing camera masts, including foundations, new signage, new vehicle safety fencing and associated electrical work.

For the slip road closures at Kelvedon, motorists travelling northbound will be required to be diverted via the A12 junction 24 and A1024. Those travelling southbound will continue along the A12 to junction 22 and return via the A12 northbound to junctions 23 and 24.

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways Agency press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.

Published 30 January 2015