Introduction.

The A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon improvement scheme is the first scheme of its size to be delivered since Highways England was created in 2015. As such, it's been the company's flagship scheme for the first ever roads delivery period (2015-20) and has brought about a high level of positive change. On the A14 project, we've pioneered a new, much more effective way of managing a complex road scheme through the creation of an integrated delivery team, which included Highways England and our designers and contractors. This helped us identify the best person for each job within the team and work together to deliver more, faster for our customers. As a result, we were able to open the new road for traffic eight months earlier than planned. We've used innovative as well as more sustainable and considerate construction methods to deliver our scheme, minimising the impact on the surrounding road network and providing better environmental outcomes for the project, which aims to leave a positive legacy. We've worked closely with customers and stakeholders during construction, to keep them informed, involved and help them plan ahead. Yes, we encountered challenges along the way but we've made sure the lessons learned will help Highways England deliver future projects better and more efficiently. I'm immensely proud of our achievements and I'd like to thank each and every one of the more than 14,000 people who've worked on the project – from the various teams based at one of our site offices to our supply chain, who provided materials and workforce – as well as all the drivers and local residents living along the scheme for bearing with us while we delivered this brand new road for them. I hope everyone enjoys using their new section of A14 in Cambridgeshire, whether they are transporting goods across the country, travelling to work, or on their way to see loved ones. David Bray

A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon improvement scheme

Project Director, Highways England