Maintenance work continues on the A1307 with 40mph speed limits, currently in place across a number of sections of the road, expected to be lifted by the end of the summer.
When we took over the responsibility for this road from National Highways last year, known locally as the old A14, there were serious issues with the barriers between Godmanchester and Huntingdon and drainage problems at both Fenstanton and Hemingford.
Work on replacing the safety barriers between Huntingdon and Godmanchester began in January. The discovery of asbestos material in the old barrier structures introduced a further delay, but this work is now nearing completion.
At Hemingford Abbots, we’ve repaired the central barriers, damaged in a collision, cleared the vegetation and investigated the drainage issues. In May our contractors have been excavating the adjacent drainage ditches and we are now in the process of testing the refreshed drainage system. Based on our recent investigation findings the gullies and underground pipes are in a good state of repair.
Once testing is complete and we’re sure the drainage system is working correctly, we will clear the central reservation to prevent the drainage system becoming blocked again.
At Fenstanton, we have dug out and cleaned the drains and pipes around and under the road, removed tree roots and vegetation, and dredged the ditches – including repairs to a collapsed pipe under the road. In recent weeks we have been installing new fencing to reduce noise pollution along this section of the road.
In each of these three locations the 40mph speed restrictions will be lifted, independently of the other sections, as soon as it is safe to do so. Currently maintenance work in all three separate locations is on track to be complete by the end of the summer.
Cllr Alex Beckett, Chair of the Highways and Transport Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “We’ve been working hard to remove the speed restrictions on the A1307, so it’s fantastic news that it will soon be safe to do so.
“It’s frustrating that these works have taken longer than initially hoped – a huge amount of work was needed when the road was handed over to us last year but safety must always be our first priority. Despite the setbacks encountered, I’m proud of the progress we’ve made and that we will soon be able to remove these important and necessary speed restrictions.”
We apologise for the ongoing inconvenience caused by these maintenance works. Further updates will be provided – please follow @Cambs_Traffic.
