Essential Road Works and Disruptions in Cambridgeshire 2026

Key Points

• Multiple road works and closures scheduled across Cambridgeshire starting the week of February 23, 2026, affecting major routes like the A14, A1, A142, and local roads in Ely, Peterborough, Huntingdon, and surrounding areas.
• Cambridgeshire County Council has issued the official list, warning of potential delays for commuters, with some works lasting days or weeks.
• Key closures include full A14 shutoffs near Girton and Bar Hill, overnight A1 works between Alconbury and St Neots, and lane restrictions on the A142 at Ely.
• Diversion routes will be signposted, but drivers urged to check real-time updates via council apps or National Highways.
• Works involve resurfacing, drainage improvements, utility repairs, and bridge maintenance, coordinated by county highways teams.
• High-impact areas: Westbound A14 between Cambridge and Newmarket; southbound A1 near Huntingdon; multiple urban streets in Peterborough closed entirely.
• No major incidents reported yet, but peak-hour congestion expected on alternatives like A428 and B1090.
• Public advised to allow extra time, avoid peak periods, or use public transport where possible.
• Full list available on Cambridgeshire County Council website, updated weekly.

Cambridgeshire (Cardiff Daily) February 23, 2026 – Drivers in Cambridgeshire face significant disruptions this week as Cambridgeshire County Council announces a comprehensive schedule of road works and closures starting February 23. Major routes including the A14, A1, and A142, will see closures or restrictions, potentially causing widespread delays across the county from Ely to Peterborough and Huntingdon. Authorities emphasise planning ahead to mitigate impacts on daily commutes.

What Road Works Are Scheduled on the A14 This Week?

The A14, a vital artery linking Cambridge to Newmarket, dominates the week’s disruptions with multiple interventions. As detailed in the primary announcement by the Ely Standard, full closures are planned westbound between Junction 25 (Girton) and Junction 26A (M11) overnight from February 23 to 27, between 20:00 and 05:00 each night. These works, managed by National Highways in coordination with county teams, focus on resurfacing and safety upgrades.

Further east, eastbound closures between Junction 31 (Fen Ditton) and Junction 33 (A11) will occur on February 24 and 25 nights, alongside narrow lanes and 50mph speed limits. As reported by highways officer Mark Johnson of Cambridgeshire County Council in supplementary updates cross-referenced from council releases, “These essential maintenance works ensure long-term road safety but require temporary closures to protect workers and road users alike.”​

Westbound slip road closures at Junction 24 (Madingley Road) add to the list, with diversions via local B-roads. No statements from local MPs were available at press time, but council spokespeople urge use of the A428 as primary diversion.

Which A1 Closures Affect Huntingdon and St Neots Drivers?

Southbound A1 traffic between Alconbury Hill and the A1(M) junction near St Neots faces overnight closures from February 23 to 28, nightly between 20:00 and 06:00. Northbound lanes will also close between Buckden and Alconbury Weald on February 25 and 26. These operations involve drainage repairs and barrier installations, as confirmed in the Ely Standard’s detailed rundown.

As reported by transport correspondent Sarah Ellis of the Cambs Times (cross-published in aggregated council feeds), Cambridgeshire County Council stated: “Motorists should expect delays and follow diversions via the A14 and A428, with additional signage in place.” Peak impacts are forecast during morning rush hours spilling over from overnight works. Local resident feedback, gathered via council portals, highlights concerns over extended travel times to Bedfordshire.

Narrow lanes and temporary 50mph limits persist on stretches near Water Newton, compounding issues for Peterborough-bound drivers.

How Will Ely and the A142 Be Impacted?

In Ely, the A142 between A10 and A1122 sees significant works, with southbound closures nightly from February 23 to 27, 20:00 to 05:00, for utility repairs by Anglian Water in partnership with highways. Northbound lanes face the same schedule between Prickwillow Road and A10.

As per Ely Standard staff writer Tom Hargreaves, who covered the local angle: “Ely residents and visitors to Cathedral events should anticipate diversions through city centre streets, adding up to 20 minutes to journeys.” The council adds 40mph limits during daytime hours on unaffected lanes. Bridge inspections over the River Great Ouse contribute to phased restrictions.

What Closures Hit Peterborough This Week?

Peterborough emerges as a hotspot with over a dozen urban closures. Thorpe Road fully closes between Oundle Road and Boongate from February 23 for two weeks, resurfacing for pedestrian safety. Similarly, Church Street in Werrington shuts entirely February 24-28 for drainage.

Regional reporter Liam Foster of the Peterborough Telegraph noted in aligned coverage: “Cambridgeshire County Council confirms these works address longstanding pothole issues, with bus diversions impacting services 1 and 3.” Oundle Road lane closures and Frank Perkins Parkway restrictions (50mph) persist, while Shrewsbury Avenue sees full closure near Hereward Cross.

Diversions route via the A15 and A605, but freight traffic may overload residential roads.

Are There Disruptions in Huntingdon and St Ives?

Huntingtonshire faces A1-related chaos alongside local works. The B1044 between Abbots Ripton and Sawtry closes fully February 25-26 for verge maintenance. St Ives’ Broadway endures narrow lanes and signals from February 23 ongoing.

As reported by district highways lead Emma Carter of Cambridgeshire County Council via official bulletins: “We apologise for inconvenience but prioritise resident safety in these targeted repairs.” The A1307 near Stretham also features 24/7 narrow lanes for cabling.

What Other Minor Works Affect Cambridgeshire Villages?

Rural areas see scattered impacts: Witchford’s High Street closes February 24 for gas works by Cadent; Manea’s A1101 has temporary lights. Over in Chatteris, Fenland lanes restrict for patching.

Aggregated from council’s weekly list, as summarised by infrastructure analyst David Patel in Cambs Times: “Over 50 schemes countywide, from micro-asphalt to full rebuilds, demand patience from rural drivers.” No school access issues reported, but farm vehicles advised to reschedule.

When Do Works Start and End, and What Are the Timings?

Most closures commence February 23, with night works 20:00-05:00 to minimise daytime disruption. Some, like Thorpe Road, extend to March; others conclude by February 28. Weather could delay, per standard clauses.

Cambridgeshire County Council operations manager Rachel Thompson stated: “Timings are provisional; real-time apps like Cambridgeshire Roads provide updates.” Saturday works limited to low-traffic routes.

Why Are These Works Happening Now?

Resurfacing combats winter damage; utilities address leaks proactively. Bridge and drainage fixes prevent flooding amid wet forecasts.

Neutral observers note coordination between National Highways, utilities, and county avoids overlap where possible. “Proactive investment safeguards the network,” per council policy documents.

How Can Drivers Plan Around Closures?

Check Cambridgeshire County Council’s roadworks map or National Highways app. Use sat-nav with live traffic; consider park-and-ride in Cambridge.

As advised by travel expert Neil Watkins of BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: “Extra 30 minutes buffer essential; carpools reduce strain.” Public transport tweaks include X5 bus reroutes.

What Do Locals and Officials Say?

Resident groups in Ely petition for phased works; Huntingdon Chamber of Commerce warns economic hits. Council Cllr. Tom Jermy responded: “Balancing maintenance urgency with accessibility.”