A14 Improvements To Finish Later Than Expected

16 December 2014, 09:15 | Updated: 16 December 2014, 09:17

Road improvements that will help reduce journey times on the A14 near Cambridge will enter the final stages next year.

The work will see an additional lane on the A14 in both directions between junctions 31 and 32 and the westbound access roads to the M11 and A14 at the Girton interchange improved.

The scheme which began in April is due to finish at the end of March 2015. The project was originally due to complete early next year but because of the weather and some delays with the works to divert an existing gas main the scheme will be completed slightly later than planned.

Highways Agency's project manager for the scheme, Mark Saunders, said:
"The improvements will finish later than anticipated because the works involved diverting an existing gas main and this has taken longer than we initially thought and we've had to re-design some of the retaining walls for the gas main crossover at junction 31.

"We've also had some wet weather and as the site is located in an area of clay, when it rains the water isn't able to drain away very quickly and the clay becomes soft which makes it harder to complete some activities. We've frequently had to pump water out of the works area in order to progress.

"We apologise for the delay and I'd like to thank drivers for their patience while these works continue. We have tried to make sure traffic is kept moving by maintaining two lanes during peak periods.
"This scheme will significantly increase capacity, reducing journey time delays on the vital A14 and improving journey time reliability."

Once work on the pinch point scheme is complete the  A14 will be fully resurfaced between junctions 31 and 32. More details will be announced closer to the time.

The work is part of a £317 million pinch point improvement programme designed to boost local economies, reduce congestion and improve safety on the strategic road network in England. The programme is part of the UK Government's growth initiative, outlined during the Chancellor's Autumn Statement in November 2011.