News
Transformative Histon Road scheme officially opened
Published 21 October 2021
A multi-million pound scheme to transform sustainable travel along a major route into Cambridge was officially opened today.
Members of the community joined the Greater Cambridge Partnership’s Executive Board on Thursday to plant a tree to mark the official opening of the Histon Road project.
The scheme has created a dedicated bus lane, floating bus stops, widened existing cycle lanes and added new ones to encourage more people to walk, cycle or take the bus along Histon Road, helping to cut congestion and improve air quality.
The design includes a CYCLOPS junction - an orbital cycle route separating cyclists from motor traffic - alongside a raft of other upgrades to improve safety for all road users.
The project was also delivered with care for the local environment. Contractors Milestone used CemFree – an innovative cement-free concrete alternative – to lay the kerbs, installed recycled plastic drainage kerbs and they also planted 16 new trees.
The final tree was planted today by Cllr Elisa Meschini, Chair of the GCP Executive Board. She said:
“I am delighted to see the significant upgrades that have been made to Histon Road and to see so many people already benefiting from better, safer and more reliable journeys.
“The upgrades to Histon Road will encourage more people to get out of their cars to travel between villages and commuter towns to the north and the city centre to help cut congestion on our roads and improve the quality of the air we breathe.
“The scheme forms part of our wider plans to create an integrated transport network that transforms how thousands of people travel around Greater Cambridge every day.”
Histon Road was reopened in both directions in September with the final touches being carried out during overnight roadworks and under temporary traffic lights.
During construction 6,400m2 of new footpaths, 8,000m2 of new cycle lanes and 540m of bus lane were installed along the length of Histon Road.
Stagecoach East has announced that buses will run in both directions along the new-look Histon Road from 24 October. Visit www.stagecoachbus.com for more information and updates.
For more information about the scheme visit www.greatercambridge.org.uk/histon-road