Commuters could be struck by chaos in the New Year as work is set to begin on the A14.

SUFFOLK: Commuters could be struck by chaos in the New Year as work is set to begin on the A14.

A �9 million scheme to improve the safety on the A14 near Ipswich is starting earlier than planned due to a Government fiscal stimulus package.

The work is set to begin on Monday and will see the refurbishment of both carriageways of the A14 between the Claydon Interchange at junction 52 and the Copdock Interchange. The works are set to continue until the early summer.

Transport Minister and Labour MP for Ipswich, Chris Mole, said: ““Fiscal stimulus funding from the Department for Transport is enabling the Highways Agency to deliver �400 million of accelerated works this financial year - part of the Government's work to kick-start the economy and help 'Build Britain's Future'.

“Of this funding, �9 million is being invested to improve this section of the A14, a year earlier than planned.

"This investment will provide a much improved road surface. It will also deliver improved safety barriers, bringing safer journeys for users of this busy road."

Mike Wherrett, Highways Agency Regional Performance Manager for the East of England, has advised road users to allow extra time to complete any journey's involving the A14.

He said: “The A14 is a very busy road with a high percentage of heavy goods vehicles using it on a daily basis.

“Although this is major improvement work, we're doing everything we can to keep disruption to a minimum, with contraflows in place at the weekend and lane closures in place overnight when traffic flows are lower.”

The works will include two phases - the first involves renewing safety barriers, drainage work and bridge repairs, this will result in overnight lane closures.

From January 11 until the end of March, there will be carriageway and slip road closures at the Sproughton Interchange between 7pm on Fridays to 6am on Mondays.

Clearly signed diversions will be in place whenever the Sproughton Interchange entry or exit slip roads are closed.

For more information visit www.highways.gov.uk/traffic