I am sorry to have to bring news of yet more roadworks: a continuation of the current UKPN works in Cherry Hinton Road, across to Brooklands Avenue, to run electric cabling to the new Cambridge Assessment HQ that is being built on Shaftesbury Road.

Unfortunately the works will involve withdrawal of the cycle lane in the middle of the Hills Road bridge, which has obvious safety implications. There’s already problems with speeding on the bridge, with no noticeable enforcement of speed limits by the police. Please share any observations about increased speeding or other traffic issues with me.

The County Council tell me that work is scheduled to start on Saturday 22 July and last approximately four weeks on Hills Road and two weeks on Brooklands Avenue. Here is their rundown on what is planned:

Before the cable work can begin, contractors will remove two kerbed islands on Hills Road Bridge to allow two-way traffic to remain in place on Hills Road. This will happen week beginning 17 July, for approximately three nights to minimise disruption to daytime traffic.

The electricity work will be carried out in three phases by UK Power Networks:

Phase 1: work at the junction of Cherry Hinton Road will require temporary traffic signals and delays should be expected. Drivers are asked to allow extra time for their journeys. Also, work will start on 22 July in Clarendon Road, Fitzwilliam Road and Shaftesbury Road. When the work takes place in Clarendon Road and Fitzwilliam Road parking will need to be temporarily suspended.

Phase 2: work on Hills Road Bridge. Two-way traffic will be maintained but the cycle lanes will be suspended so motorists and cyclists should take extra care and delays should be minimal.

Phase 3: work at the junction with Brooklands Avenue and along Brooklands Avenue. Temporary traffic signals will be in place for this phase and delays should be expected. Drivers are asked to allow extra time for their journeys.

UK Power Networks will be working longer hours and weekends to reduce the overall duration and may work from 7.30am until midnight if required. Noise will be kept to a minimum between 8pm and midnight.

If you have concerns about the management of the works, contact UKPN on 0800 0284587 and [email protected]<[email protected].

   Leave a comment