New 'Operation Stack' to be introduced at the Port of Felixstowe

New arrangements for 'Operation Stack' are to be introduced on the A14 approaching the Port of Felixstowe on March 6, 2008.

'Operation Stack' is the name given to the traffic management plan used by Suffolk Police and other agencies when, as a result of restrictions at the Port of Felixstowe, traffic builds up on the A14. Although port restrictions occur for a variety of reasons, the main cause is high winds, which prevent safe operations at the Port's container terminals. Initially, when the Port is closed, container vehicles are queued or 'stacked' in the on-port holding areas. However, when these areas are full and traffic begins queuing on the A14, 'Operation Stack' is implemented to help manage this traffic. The current arrangements for 'Operation Stack' involve container vehicles being stacked on Port of Felixstowe Road the last section of the A14 before arrival at the Port. From 6 March 2008, the location of the first phase of 'Operation Stack' will be moved to the old A45 at Levington. Vehicles traveling to the Port of Felixstowe will be notified that advanced warning signs along the various routes leading to Felixstowe have implemented 'Operation Stack'.

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