10-Mile Stretch of A14 to Close Overnight for Road Improvements — Drivers Warned of Delays

Motorists travelling through Suffolk are being urged to plan ahead as a major 10-mile section of the A14 eastbound will be closed overnight for essential improvement works.

National Highways has announced that the stretch between Junction 38 at Waterhall and Junction 42 at Bury St Edmunds will be closed from 9pm to 6am on weekday nights, with the works running until Friday, October 10.

What’s Happening?

The closures are part of a planned maintenance and improvement programme aimed at enhancing safety, surface quality, and infrastructure reliability along one of the region’s key transport corridors. According to National Highways, the scheme will include:

• Resurfacing of the eastbound carriageway, repairing worn or damaged road surfaces to improve driving conditions and reduce long-term maintenance costs.

• Renewal of road markings and reflective studs, ensuring better visibility and safer navigation, particularly in poor weather or at night.

• Maintenance of roadside infrastructure, including drainage systems, signage and barriers, which are essential for safety and performance.

• Possible upgrades to junction slip roads, to ensure alignment and surface quality meet updated standards.

  
  

Why It Matters

The A14 is a critical route for freight and commuter traffic, connecting the Midlands and East Anglia to the Port of Felixstowe. It plays a vital role in both regional mobility and the UK’s supply chain. As such, National Highways is carrying out the work overnight to minimise disruption to daytime traffic.

However, drivers should expect delays and longer journey times during the overnight closures, particularly if travelling late in the evening or early in the morning.

Diversions in Place

A signed diversion route will be in operation during the closures, with traffic rerouted via the A11, A143 or other local roads, depending on the origin and destination of the journey.

Additional traffic management measures include:

• 17 Variable Message Signs (VMS) deployed across the network to guide drivers and provide real-time updates.

• Temporary changes to traffic light sequences at key junctions to accommodate diverted traffic.

• Access maintained for local residents and emergency services, with signage indicating alternative routes.

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Public Guidance

A spokesperson for National Highways said:

Commuters, hauliers, and local residents are encouraged to stay informed throughout the closure period and allow extra time for overnight journeys.

Looking Ahead

This phase of the works is part of a broader programme to maintain and upgrade key sections of the A14, with the goal of improving safety, capacity, and reliability. Similar improvements in recent years have helped reduce accident rates, extend road life, and boost overall driving experience.

While the short-term impact may cause inconvenience, National Highways says the improvements will deliver long-term benefits for all road users.