Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has announced that various schemes in Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire have been successful in gaining 'Pinch Point' funding.
As part of the £22 million package, there will be improvements to the A14 between junctions 31 and 32, Girton to Milton. By widening the road between the junctions and installing three sign gantries across the width of the carriageway, reductions in congestion and improvements in the road's safety recored are expected.
The notorious Black Cat roundabout on the A1 is also going to be improved and on the A1(M) junction 6 northbound at Welwyn, all lane running is to be introduced to reduce congestion by converting the existing hard shoulder to a running lane.
The widening of the A14, Girton to Histon, to three lanes in the eastbound direction, will complement the planned works at Girton under the £20m allocation being made available as part of the A14 'Challenge' work. This was identified as a priority for the Cambridgeshire area, given the potential for such improvements to reduce congestion and improve safety on one of the busiest stretches of the A14.
“I am pleased that the Government is working hard to deliver real solutions to the A14," says Andrew Lansley, MP for South Cambridgeshire. "This latest announcement, which further reinforces this Government’s firm commitment to improve the A14, complements the scheme of major changes to the road later in the decade.
“The widening of the A14 between junctions 31 and 32 will represent a very welcome and early improvement in reducing congestion and improving safety for those using the road,” he added.
The works will take place in 2014, with the project supporting Phase 1 of the Northstowe development, which is expected to create 582 new jobs and 1,480 new homes by 2020.
Cambridgeshire County Councillor Ian Bates said: "The A14 was completely off the agenda until we led a charge with local MPs and partner councils to get much needed improvements on this congestion blighted road.
"I am delighted that the Government has not only listened to us but has been working with us to bring forward improvements. Cambridgeshire's economy is recognised as being able to help kick start the national economy and unblocking the A14 and building Northstowe plays an important part in that."
And Councillor Ray Manning, South Cambridgeshire District Council's Leader, added: "I am pleased the Government is continuing to listen to Cambridgeshire's campaign for much needed improvements to the A14, and this funding will certainly boost our economy and help deliver some of the much needed homes at Northstowe.
"For the whole town to be built, a major upgrade is still needed and we are committed to working with our partners to keep the pressure up on the Government for delivery as early as possible."
Elsewhere in the region, the Black Cat roundabout on the A1 between Sandy and St Neots will also be upgraded during 2014, in a £6.4 million project that will see installation of part-time traffic lights and widening of the A1 approach roads, as well as changes to the roundabout itself.