Cambridge South East Transport project

Phase 1 - Works at Babraham Research Campus roundabout and Babraham High Street junction

The Greater Cambridge Partnership and contractors Skanska will be starting work at the Babraham Research Campus (BRC) roundabout, the junction with Babraham High Street and the A1307 from 6 July 2020. The works will continue until autumn 2020.

We would like to apologise for any inconvenience these works may cause. However, these improvements will make it easier for those who use public transport, cycle, walk, or ride horses and will help make travel in the area more sustainable. Given the national priority to promote active travel during the current Covid-19 situation, it is more important than ever to progress with these works as they will directly help those who cannot work remotely and must travel. We hope the impact of the road works is reduced due to the current lower levels of traffic.

We are working with our contractors Skanska to minimise disruption where possible. Skanska and their sub-contractors will be implementing safe working practices to ensure that the works are undertaken in accordance with current Public Health England and Government guidance for Covid-19 restrictions.

What works are being carried out?

1. Babraham Research Campus roundabout

Works to the roundabout will include a new signalised toucan crossing to help pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians to cross the A1307 safely. The new signals will include additional equipment and space to enable horse riders to use the crossing. Other works include kerb line adjustments, resurfacing of the roundabout and its approaches (including new road markings), and alterations to the existing bus stops/laybys. Improvements to the street lighting layout will also be undertaken.

2. Babraham High Street to A11

Works to the Babraham High Street junction will include the introduction of a right-turn ban out of the High Street onto the A1307, provision of a new bus lane between the High Street and A11, and improvements to the existing uncontrolled pedestrian crossings and footpaths. Other works include kerb line adjustments, resurfacing of the main carriageway and footways and improvements to the accessibility of the existing bus stops.

A new permanent 50mph speed limit between the A11 and the Copley Farms business estate, covering both of the main areas noted above, will also be introduced.

We will be working at both the roundabout and the High Street junction at the same time to minimise the duration and disruption of the works on the A1307.

What changes will there be during construction?

All efforts will be made to keep disruption to a minimum. However for safety reasons there will be a number of necessary changes whilst these works take place. These will be:

• a temporary 40mph speed restriction with narrow lanes 24 hours a day.
• lane closures on the A1307 between Babraham High Street and the A11 for the duration of the works.
• a temporary closure of the existing central gap at the Babraham High Street junction for the duration of the works to allow the new footpath, island and pedestrian crossing to be constructed safely. This means vehicles won’t be able to turn right onto the A1307 from either the High Street or Chalky Lane.
• The A1307 Babraham High Street junction will need to be temporarily closed at the start of the construction to remove existing kerbs and safely construct the new island. Dates and duration (about 1 week) will be confirmed and signed on site with a local diversion in place.
• Most of the work will be undertaken during the day. Overnight closures for resurfacing works across both locations will be required for about 2 weeks. This is expected to take place towards the end of the construction programme and a separate briefing note will be issued for this phase of work. A diversion route via the A11, A505 and A1301 will be in place during the closure. Access through the closure will be provided for buses only.

How will the works impact on the existing bus stops?

• BRC roundabout, Haverhill-bound bus stop: a temporary bus stop will be provided within BRC for the duration of the works. This will serve buses travelling out of Cambridge towards Haverhill on the A1307.
• BRC roundabout, Cambridge-bound bus stop: the existing bus stop at the BRC roundabout will be closed whilst works are carried out for the new bus stop. During this time, passengers will be asked to use the existing bus stop on the High Street.
• Babraham High Street, Haverhill-bound bus stop: the eastbound nearside lane at the Babraham High Street junction will need to be closed for the period of the works whilst a new bus stop and access footways are constructed. During this closure a temporary bus stop will be in place in a similar location with a temporary footway providing access.
• Babraham High Street, Cambridge-bound bus stop: this will remain in operation until the inbound bus stop at BRC roundabout is complete. Once the BRC bus stop is open again, the stop at the High Street will be closed temporarily to allow the minor improvements to be made.

How do I keep up to date with the project?

Please visit the project’s web page at www.greatercambridge.org.uk/A1307

If you have any concerns during construction, please do get in touch with Skanska’s project team on A1307schemes@skanska.co.uk or telephone Cambridgeshire County Council’s Contact Centre on 01223 699906.