A40: Important Update
Since the temporary traffic signal trial began yesterday, many of you have contacted me to express your frustrations about the significant delays and the impact on your journey times.
While National Highways intended the trial to reduce delays, it is clear from your experiences that it has had the opposite effect.
I am therefore pleased to confirm that National Highways has agreed to stop the trial with immediate effect.
The disruption caused by these works is already having a significant impact on so many of you, and I take that extremely seriously. I want to assure you that I am engaging with National Highways at every stage of these works to ensure your concerns are heard and acted upon.
National Highways has assured me that they are now exploring alternative measures to help reduce the congestion and delays you are experiencing.
The next stage of the works is due to commence on 19 October, with an overnight closure from 8 pm to 6 am. Following this closure, traffic will be transferred onto the newly refurbished eastbound carriageway under contraflow traffic management, allowing work to progress on the westbound carriageway.
It is vital that the next phase is carefully managed, with every effort made to minimise disruption and avoid further delays for those who depend on this route.
I welcome National Highways' decision to stop the trial and want to thank everyone who has taken the time to get in touch and share their experiences.
Although I spoke with National Highways this morning, my weekly meeting with them will still go ahead tomorrow. I encourage you to continue getting in touch with any concerns or questions you would like me to raise on your behalf.
I have consistently urged National Highways to explore every possible option to minimise disruption, and I will continue to do so.
I will make it absolutely clear that the impact on residents, commuters and everyone using this route must be a priority in every decision made.
You can contact me at matt.bishop.mp@parliament.uk.
