Highways Agency

Project

The Highways Agency is carrying out a journey time trial on the A14 between M1 Junction 19 at Catthorpe and A14 Junction 2 at Kelmarsh.

This section of road is 2 lanes wide, with two particularly long uphill gradients on both the eastbound and westbound carriageways. When heavy lorries overtake each other on these stretches, it can block both lanes, slowing down traffic for several miles.

By restricting eastbound and westbound lorries of 7.5 tonne or more to the inside lane, the outer lane is clear for other traffic. The Highways Agency aims to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety and by the introduction of this measure, we expect journey times to be improved and for traffic to flow more smoothly.

In an effort to do this we are introducing a trial restricting lorries of 7.5 tonnes or more from overtaking on a 2 mile stretch of the eastbound A14 between M1 Junction 19 (Catthorpe) and A14 Junction 1 (Cold Ashby) and on a 1.5 mile stretch of the westbound A14 between Junction 2 (Kelmarsh) and Junction 1 (Cold Ashby).

We will monitor before, during and after the trial to see how effective it is and the results will be posted onto the website.

The trial is programmed to commence at 6am on Monday 12 March 2007 and will run daily from 6am to 8pm. It will last for up to 18 months.

The first 6 months of the trial will incorporate a consultation period.