Closures on A14 in Suffolk as major reconstruction work starts
It's part of a project to completely rebuild a section of the road
Motorists are being urged to plan ahead and leave extra time due to a series of closures on the A14 in Suffolk over the next month.
Major reconstruction work is due to being between junction 47a at Haughley and junction 49 at Tothill next month.
Ahead of that work National Highways is to introduce a series of lane closures to allow a contraflow system to be put in place.
A contraflow allows work to take place on the road by diverting traffic onto the opposite side of the carriageway.
Lane closures will be in place seven days a week, 24 hours a day between the following dates:
• Eastbound – from Friday 24 March
• Westbound – from Tuesday 28 March
The contraflow will be fully in place by April 18 and will remain between J47a and J49 until October.
The speed limit along that section of road will be cut to 50mph.
The work is part of a £37m scheme to completely rebuild the road and lay a new road surface. New safety barriers and cat's eyes will also be put in place.
It follows a series of overnight closures over the past few months.
Simon Amor, National Highways Head of Scheme Delivery, said: “We understand that living, working, or travelling in and around Suffolk while this major construction project takes place might not be easy, and we will do all we can to minimise disruption."
"While these lane closures are in place, we recommend motorists give themselves extra time to complete their journeys.
“We also ask road users not to ‘rat run’ on smaller, local roads, as this can impact villages and local communities.
"These roads aren’t suitable for the traffic that usually travels on the A14, and can lead to more congestion, and increase the risk of accidents for both motorists and pedestrians.”