The Freight Transport Association (FTA) says the decision by the Secretary of State to approve the A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon improvement scheme is good news for transport operators.
The A14 is an important route for the freight industry and the 21-mile scheme includes a major new bypass of Huntingdon between Swavesey and Brampton, widening the A1 between Brampton and Alconbury, widening the existing A14 between Swavesey and Milton and improving the junctions at Bar Hill, Swavesey, Girton, Histon and Milton.
Freight connections to the Port of Felixstowe are a vital part of England’s logistics supply chain and the road infrastructure has suffered from years of disruption and lack of reliability.
There is still a six-week period in which the decision can be challenged but, in addition to providing vital connections for national and international freight movements, this new route will also deliver improvements to local communities around the existing route.
Malcolm Bingham, FTA’s Head of Road Network Management Policy, said: “FTA welcomes this decision and now looks for an early start to the sets of works and a system that will inform freight operators and motorists about disruptions that could be caused. Reliable and timely information will give freight operators the chance to better plan their journeys while the construction is taking place.”
