A14 Bypass opens a year ahead of schedule

The opening of the new A14 Bypass in Cambridgeshire is scheduled to for December 2019 after initial proposals did not schedule its opening until December 2020.

Measuring at a distance of 12 miles long, the new bypass consists of more than half of the £1.5Bn upgrading scheme which is currently underway on a 21 miles expanse of the A14 through Cambridgeshire, between Cambridge itself and the town of Huntingdon.

The project is the largest highways development project of its kind in the UK and is predicted to benefit not only the local region but also the nation as a whole due to the improved access it will provide to the port of Felixstowe, thus maintaining consistent import and export in a post-Brexit Britain.

The Highways England Project Director, David Bray stated: “I am delighted that we will be able to deliver the benefits of this key section of the project so much earlier than originally planned. As well as a significant improvement for drivers, this major milestone will start to realise some of the benefits of the upgrade for residents and communities along the A14 too.

“And it will mean that we are able to start work sooner on the improvements we are making to local roads in and around Huntingdon as we start to dismantle the old viaduct over the train station, which will be a real boost for local communities.”

The Roads Minister’s announcement of the bypass’ completion comes after the recent announcement that approval has been granted to a total of 18 highways projects by the Department for Transport, while a sum of 25.3Bn has been reserved for road investment between 2020 and 2025.

The Roads Minister herself, Baroness Vere added: “This government is committed to delivering an infrastructure revolution and it’s fantastic that a key section of this vital route will be delivered a year ahead of schedule, helping people travelling in the east of England get to their destination quickly and safely.

“The A14 upgrade will not only improve the experience for local drivers but will also boost access between the region’s ports and the West Midlands – a key logistics hub.

“I look forward to seeing the benefits in action in December and to seeing similar infrastructure schemes developing around the country as we improve links and spread growth opportunities.”

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