Unlocking growth
The opening of the upgraded A14 between Cambridge and Huntingdon supports the growth of the national economy by enabling the efficient movement of people and freight from our largest ports to other parts of the country. It also supports local growth by enabling 23,000 new homes to be built and helps unlock the regional economy.
We’d like to thank our funding partners for helping to make the scheme possible:
- Department for Transport
- The Business Board of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority
- Cambridgeshire County Council
- Huntingdonshire District Council
- South Cambridgeshire District Council
- Cambridge City Council
- Fenland District Council
- East Cambridgeshire District Council
- Suffolk County Council
- Peterborough City Council
- Norfolk County Council
- Essex County Council
- Northamptonshire County Council
- Local Enterprise Partnerships in South East Midlands and East Anglia
Here’s what some of our partners have said about the opening for traffic of the new A14:
"The business community is really delighted at the early opening of the A14 and in particular, the very positive and timely way the scheme has been developed. Whilst there has been some short-term challenges which can be expected in a construction scheme of this magnitude, the significant medium and long term benefits will we know far outweigh the short term issues.
"The timing of completion as we begin to recover post-Covid 19 is of significant importance as businesses try to find new ways to operate and get staff and goods into work safely. I know from personal experience how businesses as well as individuals are already benefiting from the shorter and more reliable journey times. A welcome tonic at the current time.
"The biggest barrier to the recovery, growth and economic success for all in our area has now well and truly been dealt with together with the added bonus of my personal 25 year dream becoming a reality.”
John Bridge OBE, Chief Executive of the Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce
"FTA and its members are thrilled to see the upgraded A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon route is now open. This stretch represents an important strategic link for freight transport, connecting the ports in East Anglia with the Midlands and the rest of England; logistics businesses will benefit hugely from faster and easier journeys.
“The economy relies on efficient and reliable road networks to keep goods moving across the UK, but for too long, poor road connectivity in the heart of England has impacted businesses and slowed economic growth; this will all change with the opening of the new A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon stretch.”
Natalie Chapman, Head of East of England, South of England, and Urban Policy at Freight Transport Association
"It is great news that the new section of the A14 is opening much earlier than first anticipated. The A14 is a vital connection for Huntingdonshire, providing essential infrastructure to thousands of hard-working residents, businesses and drivers beyond.
“The investment in this major piece of infrastructure has been in the pipeline for a long time and I am pleased that our area will now be able to reap the benefits of the upgrade as a result of the sustained campaign that HDC, neighbouring councils, MPs and other stakeholders led. HDC also contributed £5million towards the upgrade as part of a wider regional package of funding that kickstarted the project. This investment will lead to decreased travel times and a significant reduction in congestion for local people as well as greatly improved regional connectivity – all of which will support the prosperity of the Huntingdonshire economy.”
Cllr Ryan Fuller, Executive Leader of Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC)
"It is truly fantastic news that the whole A14 project is now open to traffic. This will be welcome news for residents and communities along the A14, it will not only benefit drivers with quicker and safer journeys but will ease the congestion experienced by many local communities and is great news for those drivers who have patiently waited in traffic while the new roads have been built.
“The A14 upgrade was vital to boost the local economy, improve connectivity and support growth in the area. I would like to thank Highways England and their contractors for their hard work and thank local residents and businesses for their patience during this project.”
Cllr Ian Bates, Cambridgeshire County Council’s Chairman of the Highways and Transport Committee
"These works have taken a long time, and I’m pleased that they have been able to work through the Covid-19 lockdown and finish early. This proves that with proper project management we can complete major infrastructure works in this county on time and in budget, bringing benefits to travellers across the region. I hope the other major works planned for our area take note of the success of the A14 scheme and seek to emulate it.”
James Palmer, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
Supporting local businesses during construction
Locally, we sourced over £120 million of goods and services for the scheme through over 50 businesses.
Here’s what some of the local businesses who worked on the A14 project have said:
