WE have all had the opportunity to see the latest public information exhibition about the A14 proposals and, although it is apparent that many of our suggestions have been noted and actioned, there remain a lot of questions unanswered. We are told that th

WE have all had the opportunity to see the latest public information exhibition about the A14 proposals and, although it is apparent that many of our suggestions have been noted and actioned, there remain a lot of questions unanswered.

We are told that the proposed new road system around the already-congested part of the Brampton Road which feeds the railway station, school, hospital, proposed new college and the town centre will relieve the previously-forecast gridlock when the Huntingdon and Godmanchester bypass is removed. Apparently the new traffic forecast figures no longer show that there will be twice the current traffic at rush hours - unfortunately the new figures have not been published and are, therefore, not available for us to see.

There still appears to be confusion about what sort of traffic will be allowed through the new road system. Will heavy goods vehicles be allowed? Nobody appears to be quite sure. "Perhaps only for local traffic" we are told.

In spite of the fact that retention of the viaduct and thus the bypass would facilitate easier traffic flow, it appears that the main reason that the viaduct will be removed is not the cost but the fact that, if it were retained and the road downgraded, the cost of maintaining both would fall to the county council.

Why not keep both as major roads - the new road mainly for east-west traffic and vice-versa and the existing road for north-east traffic and vice versa. Each would provide an alternative for the other in case of accidents or other delays.

This would be in line with the Highway Authority's strap line of "Safe roads, reliable journeys, informed travellers".

In spite of sight of unofficial drawings, we are still not convinced that the proposed road layout will provide room for a future Buckden A1 bypass. It has even been suggested at the exhibition that the Buckden roundabout could be replaced by an elevated viaduct.

I wonder how many others are concerned by the nearly 360 degree loop road to enable traffic from the east on the A14 to proceed on the A1 northbound.

There is still much work to be done before the Inquiry.

TERRY HAYWARD

Chairman

Buckden parish Council A14 working group