Highways England announced on 6 February that Britain’s biggest road project - to improve the busy A14 - is set be completed more than half a year early and will open to traffic this spring.

The £1.5 billion scheme to improve journeys between the East of England and the Midlands was originally planned to open to traffic by the end of 2020.

Highways England Chief Executive Jim O’Sullivan said, “The A14 is a vital route used by 85,000 drivers every day, including more than 21,000 hauliers transporting essential goods around the country.”

“Opening this scheme more than six months early and on budget shows what the UK construction industry can achieve working with Highways England on the Strategic Road Network. I would like to thank them for their focus on our joint success and for their one-team approach.”

Roads Minister Baroness Vere commented, “I’m delighted that the A14 upgrade will open ahead of schedule, not only meaning drivers will benefit from quicker and safer journeys sooner, but also ensuring that key access between the region’s ports and the West Midlands will be boosted.”

“Investing in key transport links such as this is part of this government’s plan to level up access across the country, ensuring all regions are better connected and improving journeys for all.”

Work on the project began in November 2016 and has employed around 13,000 people in total, with up to 2,500 working on site during the project’s peak.

Photo: The A14 is Britain’s biggest road project.