Important maintenance work will begin next week on the A1307, known locally as the old A14, between Swavesey and Huntingdon.
Since the County Council took over responsibility for the road from National Highways in February, there has been a temporary 40mph speed limit in place between Fenstanton and St Ives due to safety concerns. The road has been inspected and drainage works are needed here.
From Monday (29 July), there will be one lane closed in both directions for the works – it will involve getting soil samples, stripping back the vegetation, and clearing out the drains. The work is expected to take four weeks and the lane closures will be in place 24/7 on both the eastbound and westbound carriageway.
Once this is complete at the end of August, our highways team will test the drainage system and if the work to clear it has been successful, the 40mph speed limit on this section will be removed.
Cllr Neil Shailer, vice-chair of the Highways and Transport Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “The council became responsible for this road earlier in the year. We’re fully aware of the fatal incident which happened before, and the coroner’s concerns, which is why this drainage work is so important. We’ve investigated the issues with input from National Highways, and we’re now ready to carry out the necessary work.
“This area is visually going to look very different, for a while. We’ll need to clear the vegetation right back to the soil, however, new seeds will be planted once this work is complete.
“Another key priority for us, is the Godmanchester to Huntingdon section, which is currently restricted to a temporary 40mph speed limit due to safety concerns with the barriers. We anticipate starting the barrier work on Sunday, 15 September, this will also involve lane closures in both directions and the work is expected to take three months to complete. In the meantime, the 40mph speed limit will remain in place for safety reasons.”
There are also road resurfacing works taking place overnight along the A1307 from 27 August onwards, for a period of three weeks, weather permitting, at the following locations:
- Eastbound carriageway between Alconbury (B1043) and Spittals Interchange (A141), Huntingdon and the new roundabout at Views Common Road, Hinchingbrooke Park
- Westbound carriageway between the new roundabout at Views Common Road, Hinchingbrooke Park and Spittals Interchange (A141), Huntingdon
- Westbound slip road at Cow Lane Interchange (A1198) Godmanchester.
- Eastbound carriageway, both slip roads into Fenstanton
- Westbound carriageway at Fenstanton - some areas of the main carriageway and Conington Road leading off the A1307 and into Fenstanton.
Road closures will be required to facilitate this work and signed diversion routes will be in place. This work is being co-ordinated, and work will be done together wherever possible to minimise the disruption.
