Suffolk A14 reconstruction scheme reaches halfway point

Reconstruction work on the eastbound carriageway of the A14 in Suffolk has been completed, National Highways said.

The £37m project between junction 47A at Haughley and junction 49 at Tot Hill got under way in February. It includes a total rebuild of the road.

Simon Amor, from National Highways, said: "It's an important milestone... we're on target to be finished next summer."

Local residents have complained of disruption due to the roadworks.

The contraflow system, which controls vehicles travelling in the opposite direction on the road, was moved to the westbound carriageway overnight on Tuesday.

Despite a few minor delays, Mr Amor said work to the eastbound carriageway went "reasonably well".

"We've completely broken out the old concrete road, right down to foundations and re-laid it with a new asphalt surface."

However, local people have complained about lumps and potholes already appearing in the new road surface.

Mr Amor added: "The surface on the eastbound carriageway is a temporary surface because we've got things like barriers bolted into it to control the traffic."

He continued the final surface will be laid in summer 2024, just before the entire project comes to an end.

"It will be a modern, low-noise surface so hopefully it'll be better for both drivers that use it and local residents."

Communities in nearby Elmswell and Wetherden have also complained about rat-running, where motorists use residential streets as a shortcut past the roadworks, and the passing of HGVs despite heavy load limits.

National Highways have implemented temporary 20mph (32km/h) limits in the villages to help deter motorists from using these routes.

Fred Pallett, chair of Elmswell Parish Council, said: "It certainly hasn't had any affect so far."

Local resident Matthew Preston-Bloom agreed: "I think it's a solution that could have worked in affect with other solutions. Individually, it's relatively ineffective because its not actually enforced."

Mr Amor, from National Highways, said: "I've heard the complaints from local residents and I thank them for their patience.

"We'll continue working with our colleagues at Suffolk County Council and the local communities to see what we can do to improve the situation for them."

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