Drivers using the A14 are being advised to leave extra time for their journey this week as temporary lane closures will be put in place for a £37m scheme. 

Construction work on the A14 junction 47a Haughley to junction 49 Tothill reconstruction scheme will begin in mid-April. 

Before work begins, daytime lane closures are being put in place to allow National Highways to complete preparation work and to install contraflow roadworks safely. 

The contraflow system will be fully installed on the westbound carriageway between junction 47a and junction 49 by Tuesday, April 18. This will be in place for approximately six months, before moving over to the eastbound carriageway. 

Speeds will be reduced to 50mph while the work, which is due to be completed by summer 2024, is carried out.   

Simon Amor, National Highways head of scheme delivery, said: “We understand that living, working, or travelling in and around Suffolk while this major construction project takes place might not be easy, and we will do all we can to minimise disruption.

"While these lane closures are in place, we recommend motorists give themselves extra time to complete their journeys. 

“We also ask road users not to ‘rat run’ on smaller, local roads, as this can impact villages and local communities. These roads aren’t suitable for the traffic that usually travels on the A14, and can lead to more congestion, and increase the risk of accidents for both motorists and pedestrians.” 

Overnight closures will be in place between Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich to install the contraflow system and average speed cameras between Monday, March 20 and Monday April 17.

Two public information events will also take place at Stowmarket Leisure Centre and Wesley coffee shop, in Elmswell, on March 30 and March 31, to provide more details.