National Highways accused of avoiding scrutiny over A12 works

The Gazette has contacted National Highways on several occasions since the completion of the Marks Tey to Stanway resurfacing works to request an interview with the project manager.

Despite head of scheme delivery Simon Amor giving a press interview in August following the completion of the Margaretting resurfacing project, National Highways insisted a senior manager for the Marks Tey to Stanway works was unavailable to speak to the Gazette.

The rejection is the latest kick in the teeth for residents, drivers, and taxpayers who are still demanding answers to why the Marks Tey to Stanway scheme was marred with so many problems.

Finished – the A12 scheme is complete, but the project overran and is majorly over budget (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

Overrunning roadworks, faulty tarmac, and short-notice closures became a regular occurrence for drivers in the two years the project took place.

In a prepared statement attributed to head of scheme delivery Simon Amor, the project's delays were again put down to bad weather.

He said: “Our workforce faced various challenges, including the weather where we experienced two extremely wet winters and springs.

“This summer was also unseasonably wet which caused problems in completing the work.

“Having removed the old road surface we were faced with softer-than-expected ground conditions which needed to be addressed before we could lay the new foundations.

“We also took the opportunity to replace the safety barrier which was not part of the original scope of work.”

Parish councillor James Macaulay, whose village of Copford was badly affected by diversions whilst the A12 was shut, said National Highways’ attempts to avoid scrutiny were “unacceptable”.

Unimpressed – Copford and Easthorpe parish councillor James Macauley (Image: James Macaulay)

He said: “It’s not acceptable just to be fobbed off by simply giving a statement that doesn’t answer questions salient to be answered.

“All the money you get comes from us – we want answers as you what you did with it.

“Our local press is championing our cause and isn’t allowed to have its questions answered – is totally wrong and not justifiable.

“It may be their personal choice, but here is our personal choice – we want the answers.”

“Just to say we can’t be bothered to put someone up for interview, but we are able to do an interview for other projects, that’s not acceptable.”

Project contractors John Sisk and Son, meanwhile, declined to comment.