Roadworks scheme stalls after delays

There were lengthy delays as a result of the works A roadworks scheme which brought misery to motorists in Peterborough has been postponed by Highways England.

The scheme started two weeks ago when the Junction 17 slip road leading to the A1(M) southbound was closed for 14 days. The scheme was set to continue until August, with lane closures, temporary speed limits, and more junction closures.

The works were planned to resurface the road, as well as carry out other maintenance .

However, after complaints from hundreds of motorists, and the issue being raised in Parliament twice by North West Cambridgeshire MP Shailesh Vara, the scheme has been postponed.

A spokesman for Highways England has said the congestion caused by the delays had been worse than expected.

Simon Amor, Highways England asset development manager said lessons would be learnt from the scheme.

He said: “We have listened Shailesh Vara to what people have told us about our work on the A1(M) near Peterborough.

“The disruption that people experienced last week was unacceptable and, although we worked quickly to improve things, we want to make sure that nothing like it happens again.

“For this reason, we have decided that we will not proceed to the next phases of the work at this time.

“We will reschedule the work for later this year when we have been able to completely review the plans and make sure that we carry out the work in the best possible way.

“On behalf of Highways England I’d like to reiterate our apology to people caught up in the delays last week.”

Mr Vara raised the issue of the ‘misery’ caused to motorists in Parliament on Thursday - a week after first raising it.

He also criticised Highways England chief executive Jim O’Sullivan after he failed to respond to a letter sent by the MP.

Following the decision to postpone the works, Mr Vara said: “I am very pleased that Highways England have finally taken note of the many angry complaints received about the road closure at junction 17 and that they have apologised.

“I am also very pleased that further works planned at junction 16 which were due to last until July 14, have been postponed until a ‘review’ is undertaken to see how the work can be better handled and dealt with in the future.

“We all recognise that the work needs doing. The issue here has been a lack of proper thought and coordination and a failure to properly communicate with relevant stakeholders and the public.”

No date has been announced for the work to begin again. We are proud to announce 0% INTEREST FREE on ALL of our windows & doors, patio and french doors including UPVC, aluminium and composite. Couple that with our amazing BUY NOW PAY LATER finance plan there has never been a better time to upgrade your home.