A LONG-awaited scheme designed to improve safety along a notorious stretch of road is nearing completion - much to the delight of villagers who say the £10million project should help save lives.

A LONG-awaited scheme designed to improve safety along a notorious stretch of road is nearing completion - much to the delight of villagers who say the £10million project should help save lives.

Highways officials say work on the A14 at the Rookery Crossroads, near Bury St Edmunds, will be finished later this month and temporary 40mph speed restrictions, which have been in place for more than a year, removed.

The news has been welcomed by residents in nearby Rougham, who praised contractors who have been carrying out the £10million project and said the end result should help save lives.

“It is absolutely terrific,” said Sara Mildmay-White, who serves the ward on St Edmundsbury Borough Council. “The scheme is really good and the men have done a fantastic job.

“They have been particularly good with their communication within the village, and have been putting leaflets, letters and updates in the shop to make everyone aware of diversions. We have all been really well informed.”

Work on the scheme began in 2004. Officials have since created new junctions and straightened a stretch of road more than a mile long.

The project won funding after 18 people were killed or injured on the roadway in the space of just six years.

“The scheme has been far less intrusive and used far less land than the original plan, which was to have a flyover,” added Mrs Mildmay-White. “Hopefully it will help reduce accidents.

“We all know what the A14 is like, and we feel so lucky to have been chosen to have this scheme completed when so many others have been put on the backburner.

“We all feel quite privileged that this scheme has won the funding.”

A spokesman for the Highways Agency confirmed work on the scheme was due for completion during January.

Speed cameras enforcing the temporary 40mph limit have been removed, although the restriction will remain in place until contractors have left the site, she added.

“There is still some safety barrier work to complete,” said the spokesman. “While there are still people working on the carriageway, the speed restrictions will remain in place for the safety of both drivers and workers.

“However, traffic management has now been taken away from the main carriageway.”