Major Road Closure in Cambridge Triggers 25-Mile Diversion

A significant road closure is set to impact traffic into Cambridge as major works commence on the Barton Road (A603) starting on August 11, 2023. The project aims to widen and enhance the walking and cycling path along the route and will necessitate a substantial overnight closure for the remainder of the year, concluding on January 5, 2026.

The construction will occur between the A603/M11 roundabout and the lay-by closest to the city centre. To facilitate the work, Barton Road will be closed nightly from 20:00 to 06:00, allowing crews to complete the upgrade efficiently. A signed diversion, spanning approximately 25 miles, will redirect traffic through Croydon and Royston before returning to Cambridge via Harston and Trumpington. Drivers should expect the diversion to take between 35 and 50 minutes.

During the day, the road will reopen to two lanes to accommodate traffic flow. A temporary walking and cycling path will be established to ensure that non-motorized users can navigate the area safely while the main path is under construction. Additionally, one lane on the A603/M11 roundabout will be closed, and a temporary speed limit of 30 mph will be enforced to enhance safety for all road users.

Thomas Fitzpatrick, Head of the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) programme, emphasized the project’s importance in promoting active travel. “Our greenways are designed to make active travel safer and more attractive for everyone,” he stated. “The works to widen the current walking and cycle path along Barton Road will enable us to deliver on this goal of making it easier for those wishing to go to and from the city on foot or by bike.”

The Barton Greenway project aims to provide a safer and more accessible route for pedestrians and cyclists between Barton and Cambridge. When completed, it will feature a wider shared-use path with improved drainage, ensuring usability year-round, regardless of weather conditions. Enhanced safety measures will include better separation between the path and road, along with a new, reduced speed limit for vehicles.

The GCP’s initiative seeks to improve cycling and walking routes connecting approximately fifty surrounding villages to the city, enhancing overall community mobility through new paths, improved crossings, and safer streets. As construction progresses, local residents and businesses are encouraged to remain patient and informed about the ongoing developments that promise to benefit the community in the long run.