Latest News Stories

Road safety overhaul for A14 welcomed

19/06/07

Dr Stephen Ladyman has welcomed news that work has begun on improving road safety measures in place in Suffolk, car insurance customers may be interested to know.

The road safety minister has made his comments in regard to the A14 near Stowmarket after builders began construction of a new two-lane dual carriageway.

Although work has already begun on the £32 million project, it is not expected that car insurance customers and other road users will experience any major travel inconvenience until the beginning of 2008 when the new development is connected to the existing A14.

Upon completion, the new route will feature several crossing points for horse riders and pedestrians in a bid to reduce the number of near-misses involving passing vehicles.

And it is also hoped that the site will improve links to the A14 for the residents of nearby villages such as Harleston, Stowmarket, Haughley New Street and Haughley.

Commenting on the project, Mr Ladyman has outlined its potential impact upon local road safety figures.

"The road is heavily used by traffic heading to and from the east coast ports of Felixstowe and Harwich and the current route has a poor accident record," he said.

"The new dual carriageway will improve safety for all road users and the new junction will give better access from the A14 for the villages."

Recently, the Highways Agency confirmed that the northbound carriageway of the A49 will be closed from June 25th 2007.

This is to enable engineers to take steps towards improving road safety, car insurance customers and other motorists were told.