Suffolk politicians renew calls to resolve A14 issues

Leaders in Suffolk are renewing calls to resolve issues on the A14 – including a plea to “speed up” the delivery of rail infrastructure projects in the region. 

West Suffolk MP Nick Timothy believes progress on the Ely to Haughley railway junctions will improve problems on Suffolk’s major trunk road, due to more freight being moved by train instead of lorry.

Drivers were faced with long delays on the A14 near Bury St Edmunds last Thursday after a two-vehicle crash, while a separate incident involving two lorries shut the carriageway near Stowmarket, says the East Angilan Daily Times.

“The number of incidents on the A14 is a huge concern,” said Mr Timothy. “I have been in touch with National Highways about this, to call for speed cameras on the A14. I will stay on the case in parliament too, where I have been arguing that we need to speed up delivery of rail infrastructure projects such as the Ely to Haughley upgrade, so more freight can be moved by train instead of lorry.”

Dr Peter Prinsley, MP for Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket, has previously called for upgrades to the Haughley junction.

The East of England All-Parliamentary Group, a cross-party committee of MPs, called for a scheme of improvements to the junctions to be prioritised.  Improvements to the Ely junctions could allow for an increase in the number of freight trains running from Felixstowe.

The calls come ahead of maintenance work which will be carried out on the Orwell Bridge over the summer. 

Suffolk Coastal MP Jenny Riddell-Carpenter said: “The A14 is a vital route for Suffolk, and the recent disruption shows just how easily our journeys can turn into chaos when things go wrong. 

“With major works coming up on the Orwell Bridge, it’s essential that plans are well communicated, disruption is kept to a minimum, and that non-essential works are postponed to help keep traffic moving.”

National Highways say the work on the bridge, on the outskirts of Ipswich, will ensure “long-term safety”, while a contraflow system will be in operation while two joints are replaced.

Martin Fellows, National Highways regional director for the East, said: “Safety is always our top priority, and so this maintenance work is vital in helping to ensure the long-term safe operation of the bridge. 

“The new joints are designed to last for 50 years, and completing this work now will help avoid the prospect of future closures being needed at short notice.”