We've been doing that just lately, Rog; the roadworks have been adding 15-20 mins into STN, so the extra 10 mins of the old Newport Road gives a net saving - good fun road to drive too, as long as you don't get behind the school bus........
as to the HGV's, I had me best (or worst) one yet last week - it took one SEVEN MILES to overtake another........he learnt a few new hand signals from the rest of us....
Thanks for the message, VFE - it was averaging one write-off every five years, so I think I'm alright for a while.....going backwards at 70 mph is a scary experience!