'These improvements were vital to road safety but when a project is completed six months late and well over budget questions have to be asked.'

David Ruffley MP has today written to Archie Robertson, Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, asking for an explanation as to why the vital improvements to the A14 Rookery Crossroads arrived six months late and £2 million over budget.

David has also asked for assurances that future projects on Suffolk's major trunk road will arrive on time and on budget.

David Ruffley and Archie Robertson officially opened the long awaited Rookery Crossroads on Friday 3 March 2006 and final resurfacing should be completed by mid March 2006.

David said:

'The opening of the Rookery Crossroads was a very welcome day; I had been campaigning for these vital road safety improvements since my election in 1997. However, the taxpayers have every right to question the delays to this project and the spiralling costs that resulted.

'I have today written to Archie Robertson, Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, asking for an explanation for why the project was completed six months late and reportedly £2 million over budget. I have also sought his assurance that everything will be done to ensure future projects on our County's main trunk road, such as the proposed improvements to the Haughley bends, will be better managed and arrive on time and at their projected cost.

'These improvements were vital to road safety but when a project is completed six months late and well over budget questions have to be asked of those in charge.'