New bus-only road estimated to cost £141.8m and run between Cambourne and Cambridge
A second dedicated busway to improve travel to and from Cambridge has been recommended in a report published on September 21, 2016.
The largely off-road bus route would reduce current bus journey times to 28 minutes between Cambourne and Cambridge.
The scheme would also provide a new cycleway and path along its length and an additional Park & Ride site close to the Madingley Mulch roundabout.
The project would be similar to the St Ives to Cambridge Guided Busway – but not on guided rails.
The scheme, which focuses on the A428/A1303 routes into Cambridge, is one of a number of transport projects identified for priority investment by the Greater Cambridge City Deal to support existing and future growth over the coming decades.
A decision by the City Deal’s Executive Board at its meeting on October 13, on advice from the Joint Assembly.
Officers concluded the off-road option, at an estimated cost of £141.8m, best meets the City Deal objective of securing economic growth by unlocking more new housing, jobs and investment opportunities – estimated at £679m over a 30-year period – as well as offering the fastest estimated bus journey times.
“The higher cost options represent a longer term investment in the capacity of the area to accommodate the growth anticipated up to 2031 and thereby directly support planned development,” they said.
“In total, including St Neots, 8,800 new homes are planned along the A428, plus a further 5,800 in North West Cambridge, together with substantial growth in West Cambridge and the Cambourne area.
“[This option] offers a resilient solution for this long term growth.”
The scheme will continue to be developed in consultation with local residents, councilors and interest groups, including the established Local Liaison Forum.
The specific recommended route options and Park & Ride site will be subject to further public consultation in summer 2017.
