A new dual carriageway on the A14 is set to open this December, a full year ahead of schedule.

The 12-mile bypass which is part of a wider 21-mile, £1.5 billion scheme in Cambridgeshire and the largest upgrade of its kind in the UK, will save drivers up to 20 minutes per journey, benefiting people living and working across the entire region.

The A14 Integrated Delivery Team, a joint venture between Balfour Beatty, Costain and Skanska, and design consultants Atkins and CH2M, is delivering the project.

To mark the early opening announcement, the A14 was visited by the Roads Minister, Baroness Vere. Speaking on the project, Baroness Vere, said: "This Government is committed to delivering an infrastructure revolution and it's fantastic that a key section of this vital route will be delivered a year ahead of schedule, helping people travelling in the East of England get to their destination quickly and safely.

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"The A14 upgrade will not only improve the experience for local drivers but will also boost access between the region's ports and the West Midlands – a key logistics hub.

"I look forward to seeing the benefits in action in December and to seeing similar infrastructure schemes developing around the country as we improve links and spread growth opportunities."

On completion, the road will open as an A road, instead of a motorway as originally planned. This will take advantage of wider lanes when joining the neighbouring M11 and A1(M).

Julian Lamb, deputy project director for the Integrated Delivery Team, said:

"We can put the continued success of the project down to our deep understanding of the scheme and our expertise in delivering complex road projects. This has allowed us to move the project along efficiently and effectively resulting in opening the bypass ahead of schedule and being recognised within the industry as a leader in innovation, productivity and collaboration."

The full project remains on track to open to traffic by the end of 2020.

(CM)