Villagers concerns prompt change in direction by Highways England

Villagers in Elmswell, Wetherden and surrounding villages will be relieved that Highways England has listened to their concerns about the re-direction of westbound traffic whilst the A14 is closed between Junction 49 and 47 for road works. It is now proposed that traffic that would have been directed through Haughley New Street, Wetherden and Elmswell will now be diverted from Junction 51.

This is an extract from an email from a representative of Highways England sent to a local resident;

“Following a number of concerns raised about diverting traffic through Elmswell and other villages, we discussed alternative routes with Suffolk County Council in an effort to avoid this disturbance.  As such, it has been agreed to divert westbound traffic from junction 51 along the A140 and A143 where they will re-join the A14 at junction 43.

This work will take place on weeknights between 8pm and 6am from Wednesday 21 February to Wednesday 7 March.  Our work is weather dependent, so please be aware that the end date may be affected by wet or freezing weather.

 Work to the eastbound carriageway is currently taking place with a closure of the A14 between Junctions 47a and 49, with road users being diverted along the old A14 and through Tot Hill.”

The email continues to answer a question from the resident with regard to why a contra flow wasn’t another option;

“As regards setting up a contraflow for the works, it was considered during the design stage however, due to various factors involved, including the available width of the road, location of crossing points, volume of traffic and cost, will have been discussed and, in this case, it was decided that full carriageway closures were the safest and most efficient method for this scheme.”

Any further information please contact the Highways England Customer Contact Centre on 0300 123 5000 here quoting the reference number 18639873. If you are not satisfied with their response

Suffolk Village Info says, “Great news for the villages let us hope re-direction is successfully implemented and well done to Highways England for listening”

Previously proposed route