Drivers warn of A14 flooding causing hours of delays

Drivers have been stuck in traffic for hours following the closure of the A14 near Newmarket due to flooding - with some warning it is “going to be hell getting out of Cambridge later”.

Although one lane has now reopened eastbound between J37 near Newmarket and J39 near Kentford, two still remain closed and there have been tailbacks of seven miles. Drivers are being urged to find alternative routes in the coming days and there are warnings lane three could be closed again if heavy rain continues.

Village roads have also seen heavy traffic and long delays today (Thursday, February 29).

National Highways admits it cannot say when the A14 will be fully reopened and the disruption brought to an end.

One resident said on social media: “We did three miles in three hours heading from Cambridge to Lakenheath. Obviously didn't get there...just got back into Cambridge.”

And another added: “There were heavy lorries using the Swaffham Heath Road and traffic through Burwell was far heavier too.

The flooding on the A14 has been a problem since February 22 and National Highways contractors have been working on the scene using tankers to clear floodwater from the carriageway.

In a statement, they said: “Unfortunately, there's no estimate for when the flooding will be cleared and the road re-opened at this time.

Despite the best efforts of National Highways personnel continually transporting floodwater from the scene and a change in weather conditions the water levels have remained consistently high.

“Extensive investigations continue alongside discussions with Anglian Water to find the source of the flooding which is also affecting roads off the National Highways strategic road network, suggesting a more wide spread issue”

There are reported to be severe delays of at least 90 minutes above normal travel times approaching the closure and seven miles of congestion. The closure is also affecting traffic on other roads, with long delays on the A11 heading onto the A14.

One angry commuter said on social media: “It’s been like it a week now it is only getting worse. Tankers have seemingly tried. It is obviously unprecedented but whatever needs to be done should be being undertaken as a matter of extreme urgency.”

Meanwhile another added: “How on earth is it taking so long to resolve this issue? The economic and environmental impacts of these continual delays surely demand far more urgent and positive action to resolve?”

National Highways is asking drivers to consider other routes where possible “in the coming days” as there is no predicted end to the disruption.

Despite removing 300,000 litters of water since the start of the flood yesterday, there is still water remaining at the site, work will continue throughout this week.

Simon Amor, Head of Scheme Delivery said: “We apologise for the inconvenience caused to local communities. The team is making every effort to remove the standing water in all lanes. However, they are facing challenges as the water continues to return after removal. We urge drivers to avoid the area, if possible.”

“Lane 3 is now re-open, but there's a chance we might need to close it again if heavy rain is expected.”

Further information is available from National Highways on www.trafficengland.com or by calling the contact centre team on 0300 123 5000.