Friday 14:41
The final stages of the A14 Junction 7 improvement scheme in Kettering will recommence following the Christmas break on Monday 10 January.
The majority of work has now been completed, except for some surfacing work and carriageway marking of the roundabout, the installation of traffic signs and some further traffic signals. The trialing of the traffic signals will take place in February and the scheme will be fully completed and operational in March.
The £3.2 million scheme, which began in May 2004, involves widening and lengthening the junction slip roads, increasing the number of roundabout lanes to three and installing traffic signals on the roundabout and its approach roads.
Work is essential to ensure that the junction can cope with greater vehicle movements from a new business park on land adjacent to the A43 Kettering Northern Bypass.
To provide sufficient room for the widened slip roads, Thorpe Lane Bridge, situated 400 metres south of Junction 7 over the A14, was demolished in June and replaced by a new structure which opened to traffic on 1 December 2004.
Highways Agency Project Manager Geoff Chatfield said:
"It was hoped that the scheme would be completed in January but due to difficulties the contractors experienced in carrying out the works while still keeping traffic moving, combined with some poor weather conditions, work has been delayed by a few weeks. We thank drivers for their continued patience during these works.
"Initially the junction will operate without traffic signals and these will not be switched on until we have examined traffic flows at the widened roundabout during January. Information gained will enable us to decide on the most suitable sequence for the signals to operate to maximise the flow of traffic."
This scheme is funded entirely by the developer of the business park, ProLogis. It is essential to upgrade the existing junction and prepare it for the increase in traffic. Congestion will be reduced, journey times shortened and safety improved.
Major improvements are also being made to the A43 Kettering Northern Bypass, looked after by Northamptonshire County Council.
Notes to Editors
1. Further details of the traffic management associated with the remaining work will be circulated shortly.
2. The Highways Agency is an Executive Agency of the Department for Transport. It manages, maintains and improves the network of trunk roads and motorways in England on behalf of the Secretary of State. It works closely with other transport operators and local authorities to integrate the trunk road network with the rest of England's roads and other forms of travel.
3. Planning permission was granted to ProLogis on 1 March 2004, subject to making substantial improvements to the local road network. The Highways Agency, Northamptonshire County Council, Kettering Borough Council and ProLogis have held discussions to agree the extent of the road improvements required.
4. URS Corporation has been employed by ProLogis as design consultants. The £3.2 million scheme will be carried out by Norwest Holst Construction under a contract supervised by the Highways Agency's Managing Agent, Carillion URS.
5. Information about roadworks throughout the region is available from the Highways Agency Information Line on 08457 50 40 30 or from the Highways Agency website http://www.highways.gov.uk
6. In 2002, the latest year for which the figures are available, five roadworkers were killed and 29 seriously injured in the course of their work on Highways Agency roads. Drivers approaching roadworks are advised to:
- Keep within the speed limit - it is there for your safety. - Get into the correct lane in good time - don't keep switching. - Concentrate on the road ahead, not the roadworks. - Be alert for works traffic leaving or entering roadworks. - Keep a safe distance - there could be queues in front. - Observe all signs - they are there to help you.
Issued on behalf of the Highways Agency by Government News Network East Midlands.
All other enquiries about the Highways Agency, its role and responsibilities, should be made through the Highways Agency Information Line on 08457 50 40 30.
Client ref EM/004/05
