Businesses importing and exporting through the Port of Felixstowe are being advised to prepare for possible delays due to ongoing overnight roadworks on the A14.
National Highways has confirmed that maintenance work on the A14 westbound between Junction 51 (Beacon Hill) and Junction 47 (Woolpit) will now continue until Friday 29 May 2026.
The works are taking place overnight on weeknights between 8pm and 6am, weather permitting.
What work is taking place?
According to National Highways, the project includes:
- Resurfacing works
- Drainage improvements
- Safety barrier replacement
The work forms part of a wider improvement programme along the A14 corridor between Junction 47 and Junction 55 (Copdock Interchange), a key route for traffic travelling to and from the Port of Felixstowe.
Diversion route in place
To allow the work to be carried out safely, the A14 westbound between Junction 51 and Junction 47 will be closed overnight.
Westbound traffic will be diverted via:
- A140 northbound from Junction 51
- A143 towards Bury St Edmunds
- Compiegne Way
- Rejoining the A14 at Junction 43 (St Saviours Interchange)
While the diversion is clearly signed, road users should expect additional journey times and congestion, particularly during busy overnight freight movements.
What could this mean for Felixstowe haulage?
As one of the UK’s busiest container ports, Felixstowe relies heavily on the A14 for the movement of import and export cargo across the country.
These closures may lead to:
- Delays to container collections and deliveries
- Increased pressure on overnight haulage schedules
- Longer transit times for westbound freight movements
- Potential knock-on effects for time-sensitive cargo
Hauliers operating overnight routes may also need to adjust driver planning and collection schedules to account for the diversions.
How Beckchoice is supporting customers
Our team is monitoring the situation closely and remaining in regular contact with haulage partners to minimise disruption wherever possible.
Where required, we will continue to:
- Communicate any shipment delays proactively
- Adjust transport planning where possible
- Support customers with updated delivery expectations
If you have any concerns regarding current or upcoming shipments through Felixstowe, please speak with your usual Beckchoice contact.
Source: National Highways – A14 Maintenance Update (May 2026) – https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/east/a14-between-junctions-47-and-55-copdock-interchange-essential-maintenance-work/
Please note: Information correct at the time of writing and subject to change depending on National Highways updates, traffic conditions and weather.