Speed limits slashed on A47 in £6m scheme to improve safety
Speed limits are being slashed on the A47 in a ?6m scheme to improve safety on the major route. Drivers are being warned of overnight closures while new signs - and 20 new speed cameras - are installed. National Highways says the improvements between Peterborough[1] and King's Lynn are designed to make the road safer for road users and those living nearby.
The first phase of work between Wisbech and King's Lynn is scheduled for completion in May. This will be followed by Guyhirn to Wisbech between May and July and Peterborough to Guyhirn between July and November. Work on the project is expected to be completed by this winter.
Speed limits will be permanently reduced at the following locations:
- A47 Welland Road roundabout to Oversley Lodge roundabout will change from 60mph to 50mph
- Thorney New Cut roundabout to Thorney Toll will change from 60mph to 50mph
- Thorney Toll village will change from 60mph to 40mph
- Thorney Toll to Guyhirn will change from 60mph to 50mph
- Guyhirn to Wisbech will change from 60mph to 50mph
- Shoreboat Roundabout to Pullover roundabout will change from 60mph to 50mph
Why are speed limits being reduced?
Speed limit reductions and new speed camera locations on the A47 from Peterborough to King's Lynn (Image: National Highways)Martin Fellows, National Highways regional director for the east region, said: "Safety is, and will always be, our number one priority, and we understand how important improved safety is to those who use this route as well as those who live nearby. Our work has identified sections of the A47 where we believe safety improvements can be made. "These changes to the speed limit aim to reduce the frequency and severity of collisions which helps keep traffic flowing and creates safer roads for everyone."
National Highways says the works to install the new average speed safety cameras and associated signage will be carried out on weekday nights, usually between 8pm - 6am, weather[2] permitting. Overnight closures will be in place, and drivers should allow additional time to complete their journeys. Diversions for the first phase of works (A47 Wisbech to King's Lynn) will be in place as follows:
A map showing diversions in place on the A47 between Wisbech and King's Lynn during ?6m improvement works (Image: National Highways)- During overnight closures between Wisbech and King's Lynn traffic travelling eastbound on the A47 will be diverted onto A1101 at Wisbech Roundabout.
- Follow the A1101 and A1122 to the A10 to rejoin the A47 at Hardwick Roundabout.
Traffic travelling westbound will follow the same diversion as above, but in reverse
All laybys between Elm High Road, Wisbech and Pullover Roundabout, King's Lynn will be closed for the duration the works.
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References
- ^ Peterborough (www.cambridge-news.co.uk)
- ^ weather (www.cambridge-news.co.uk)
- ^ You can also sign up to our dedicated Peterborough, Traffic and Crime newsletters for the latest updates on the topics you are most interested in. (www.cambridge-news.co.uk)