Old A14 maintenance work to begin in Cambridgeshire with lane closure

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.

The road has been inspected and drainage works are needed.

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, the council’s 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.”