top of page

Leaders call for A14 problems in Suffolk to be resolved

Writer's picture: Safer Highways Safer Highways

The leaders have made calls to address the "long-standing problem" on the A14 (Image: National Highways/Houses of Parliament/Charlotte Bond)

Business leaders have called for the "collective shrugging of shoulders" over problems with the A14 to end, following a spell of severe congestion and delays.


Their call comes ahead of a Suffolk Chamber of Commerce report into the economic impact of congestion and regular delays on the prominent trunk road. 


Drivers faced severe delays across the major route between Newmarket and Felixstowe between Monday, January 13 and Friday, January 17, as commuters made their way across county. 


Two crashes caused heavy traffic on the A14 outside Ipswich on Tuesday, January 14. A lorry which overturned further south on the A12 resulted in tailbacks around the Copdock Interchange.


He said: “The lack of resilience along the A14 in and out of the Port of Felixstowe, and especially at the Orwell Bridge, is hugely challenging and costly for businesses and residents alike due to the almost daily delays and congestion, whether due to incidents or planned maintenance work.


“The deepening policy vacuum both locally and nationally suggests implicitly that businesses and residents are being expected to just put up with this costly and wasteful situation.


"Concerns about this collective shrugging of shoulders is why late last year, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce conducted original research into the impact of these A14 issues on business confidence and future investment plans."


The chamber is hoping the detailed report, titled "Broken Down: the economic impact of the A14 in Suffolk", will make the government and other stakeholders "sit up" and urge them into addressing solutions put forward in the publication.


A spokesperson for National Highways said it works "hard to keep the strategic road network moving and "regularly liaises with partner organisations".


Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket MP Dr Peter Prinsley believes the problems on the A14 could be alleviated by enhancing railway infrastructure in the region. 


The Labour backbencher is looking to tackle the "unsustainable pressure" on the "the critical route" by enhancing the Haughley railway junction, near Stowmarket, in order to for more freight services to be moved by rail. 


"Upgrading Haughley Junction would unlock the potential for more frequent and efficient freight and passenger rail services," said Dr Prinsley. 


"By shifting more freight from road to rail, we can significantly reduce the number of HGVs on the A14, easing congestion, cutting emissions, and improving safety for all road users.


"This investment would also enable better connectivity for passengers, boosting access to jobs, education, and services across the region. It’s a win-win solution that benefits both our local economy and the environment."


Issues on the A14 can often lead to surrounding towns and villages becoming gridlocked as drivers divert around delays or closures. 


One area which faces this problem is Newmarket. West Suffolk MP Nick Timothy is keen to address the "long-standing problem". 


He said: "Disruption on the A14 too often results in gridlock in Newmarket, as well as heavy vehicle flows through surrounding villages.


"It can be a massive inconvenience for residents, commuters and visitors. I am keen to work with Suffolk and National Highways, as well as with local councillors, to see what can be done to lessen the frequency of delays, and to see what traffic-calming measures might enhance road safety."


Some residents have contacted the Conservative MP calling for average speed cameras on parts of the A14, an argument which he said he has put to National Highways.


A spokesperson for National Highways said: “We understand the importance of the A14 as a key route serving Suffolk, and we work hard to keep the strategic road network moving. This helps to support economic growth and keeps people connected.


“We regularly liaise with partner organisations and key stakeholders, and any work to maintain and improve the roads is carefully planned to keep disruption to a minimum.”

33 views0 comments

Comentarios


Recent Blog Posts

NEWS AND UPDATES

bottom of page