Proposals for new A505 bridge put forward to upgrade walking and cycling

A new bridge could be built over the A505 to enable people to safely walk and cycle to Royston from Cambridge and nearby villages under new proposals from the Greater Cambridge Partnership.

The GCP has identified funds to deliver a bridge over the busy A505 as part of the Melbourn Greenway active travel scheme that would deliver a fully continuous active travel route between Royston and Cambridge.

The Greenway would start in Trumpington with walking and cycling links to villages to the southwest, including Harston and Foxton before arriving in Melbourn. The proposed bridge would mean people could then continue their journeys to Royston.

Thomas Fitzpatrick, GCP Programme Manager, said:

“We have carried out a thorough review of all our projects to ensure that they are achieving value for money and maximising the benefits they will bring to the area.

“The A505 bridge proposal, if agreed, would provide a significant boost to walking and cycling journeys between Royston and Cambridge.”

The proposals are included in a paper to the Joint Assembly, which meets on 7 September, before it will be considered by the Executive Board later in the month.

Cllr Susan Van de Ven, ward councillor and cycle campaigner, said:

“I'm absolutely delighted to see the GCP recommendation to complete the Melbourn Greenway's missing link to Royston, with a much- needed bridge over the A505.

“People have been actively making the case for the bridge since 2013, when the vision for a Cambridge-Royston active travel corridor crystalized. The A10 corridor is a natural environment for cycling for everyday transport, and Royston is a natural part of the community - for housing, jobs, rail services and primary care.

“Over the past ten years the A10 cycle network has evolved from Cambridge as far as Melbourn, allowing a clean, cheap and healthy means of transport for those who can access it. But the A505 stands as a barrier, as those who live on either side of it know all too well.

“Many steps still lie ahead, but this is a really positive step. The local case has been heard and is being acted upon.”

Last week, the GCP kicked off a programme of work on seven of 12 Greenways – a 150km network of active travel routes to connect Cambridge with surrounding towns and villages to encourage more people to walk or cycle.

A ground-breaking ceremony to mark the start of construction on the Horningsea Greenway. The work in Horningsea Road is expected to take 20 weeks to complete with two-way traffic lights in operation throughout.

For more information about the Greenways visit the project page. 

For an update about the GCP's Future Investment Strategy read this story.