POLICE officers are urging motorists to drive safety and to be patient during several weeks of planned roadworks on the A14.

Hollie-Rae Merrick

POLICE officers are urging motorists to drive safety and to be patient during several weeks of planned roadworks on the A14.

Fears have been raised of major delays after it was revealed that plans to improve the safety of the A14 near Ipswich would start earlier than planned due to a Government funding project.

The �9million scheme, which is sue to start on Monday , will see the refurbishment of both carriageways of the A14 between the Claydon Interchange at junction 52 and the Copdock Interchange.

The works are not expected to be completed until the early summer.

Acting Inspector Tim Lusher, of Suffolk police, said: “At all times, we would urge drivers to take care on the roads and be aware of any hazards, including roadworks.

“Be patient and allow more time for your journey at times of planned road maintenance.

“We would remind all to adhere to the speed limit and be aware of other road users.”

Chris Mole, transport minister and Labour MP for Ipswich, said: “Fiscal stimulus funding from the Department for Transport is enabling the Highways Agency to deliver �400m 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, �9million 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.”

The works will involve renewing safety barriers, drainage work and bridge repairs, which will mean 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

Works are also set to commence on the A14 between Beyton and Woolpit and Wherstead and Trimley St Martin. The overnight work, which will involve one lane closures, will upgrade road markings and signs and install hazard marker posts.