Milton Road: - bus, cycling and walking improvement project

From week starting 5th September 2022, we will be starting work on the next phase of the project.

The next phase of the project will include the following activities:

Closing Milton Road Overnight

For 5 nights from the 5th to the 9th of September 2022, we will be closing Milton Road overnight between 19:00 and 06.00 for motor traffic.

Starting at the northern end of Milton Road, nearest to the A14, we will be removing the existing lining on the road and installing new white lining to mark the new traffic lanes. In addition, we will also be putting in the cones and signage that will close the bus lane. A 20-mph speed limit along the road will also be introduced. While the road is closed the diversion route shown below will be in operation. A copy of this map is also available on our website if you wish to view it in a larger format: -

Pedestrian and cycle access will be maintained on existing footways and cycle routes outside of the work areas. Footways within areas that we will be working on will be closed. Pedestrian crossing points will be put in either side of the areas we are working so that you can walk safely around the works areas. Similarly, cyclists will be able to use the closed lanes to go round the work areas.

Changes to the buses that use Milton Road while it is closed will be detailed on the Stagecoach website https://www.stagecoachbus.com/service-updates nearer that time.

Woodhead Drive

From the 22nd August we will be closing Woodhead Drive to road traffic. This is so we can put in a compound for the site office and welfare facilities needed for the crews working on the road. Woodhead Drive will remain closed to road traffic for the remainder of the project with a diversion route via Downham’s Road. The footpath will remain open on the Citygate flats side of the road for cyclist and pedestrians to use.

Following feedback from residents, the project team have secured additional alternative site offices, which has resulted in a much-reduced compound set up being installed in Woodhead Drive. The compound will occupy the area of Woodhead Drive closest to Milton Road. With the welfare cabins being located on the side of the road furthest away from the Citygate flats.

Daytime works on Milton Road

Once we have finished the overnight works and the new lanes and cones are all in place, we will be starting work in the daytime. Milestone will be deploying several gangs along the length of the road, each working on a 300-meter section at a time. Once a gang has finished a section, they will then move on to the next one. Sometimes this will mean they are swapping from one side of the road to the other when this happens. In order to do this, we will need another overnight closure of Milton Road to adjust the lane markings and move the cones.

The works along the length of Milton Road include the upgrade to each of the existing side roads. Where alternative diversion routes exist, these side roads will be closed while the junction is upgraded. Where there is no alternative access, temporary traffic lights will be installed, reducing the side road to a single lane width to enable its construction in two halves. We will let you know via the installation of advanced warning signs on the road, which will detail dates and planned duration of the closures. These will also be highlighted on the monthly progress e-newsletter. If you would like to be emailed these monthly e-newsletters, please visit www.greatercambridge.org.uk/project-newsletters selecting ‘Milton Road’ in the projects section.

Doing the work this way will help deliver the project as efficiently as possible. However, often changes occur on construction projects which impact the plan and delivery of the works. When these events occur, the project team assesses the impact on the local community as a major priority in the decision-making process. We appreciate your support when these events occur and a level of flexibility that will ensure the team are working on Milton Road for the minimal overall duration possible.

Should you have any questions about the above information or any other aspects of the project, you can get in touch with Milestone by emailing miltonroad@milestoneinfra.co.uk or phoning Milestone through their 24-hour contact centre: 0800 023 4762.