Improvements need to be made to a 62-mile section of the A1 road linking London and Peterborough, according to a new study published by the Department for Transport.

The A1 east of England strategic study found that upgrades to key sections of the A1 in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire would reduce congestion and environmental impact of the road’s existing layout, especially for people living close to the A1.

The improvements could benefit neighbouring communities and provide safer links for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

Options outlining exactly where and how the A1 can be improved will now be developed.

Possible improvements being touted so far include a new motorway section between Baldock and Huntington, redesigning junctions and upgrading the east to west connectivity around the route.

Transport minister John Hayes stated that the scheme intends to provide people across the east of England with quicker, more reliable journeys.

“Our cities and towns are the lifeblood of our economy and they, as well as our rural communities, need strong connections to thrive,” he said, before highlighting the government’s £15 billion investment into upgrading the UK’s road network.