Construction of Highways England’s 34km upgrade of the A14 between Cambridge and Huntingdon will begin by the end of the year following Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin’s approval of the project.

 

The East of England scheme includes a major new bypass between Swavesey and Brampton, widenings of the existing A14 and A1 and junction improvements at Bar Hill, Swavesey, Girton, Histon and Milton.

 

“This is great news for everyone who uses the A14 through Cambridgeshire, from local residents and businesses to national and international haulage companies,” said Highways England director for complex infrastructure Chris Taylor, who is leading the project.

 

“The scheme will provide much needed additional capacity to improve journey times and safety,” he added.

 

The project is aimed at relieving congestion, unlocking growth and helping to connect communities across the region. It will also involve improvements in Huntingdon town centre – to include the demolition of the A14 viaduct – and a new local access road.

 

Chris Taylor added: “We are keen to keep the momentum going and will get preparations for construction under way as soon as possible after the end of the six week statutory challenge period.”

 

The new bypass and widened A14 will open to traffic in 2020.

 

A Department for Transport spokesperson commented: “We have approved Highways England’s plans to upgrade the A14 between Cambridge and Huntingdon after reviewing the findings of the planning inspector's report. We look forward to working with Highways England as the project progresses.”

 

(Image: Highways England)