Milton Road - Bus, Cycling and Walking Improvements Project

July 2023 update

It has been another busy month on Milton Road as the teams continue to work to make progress and open up new sections of the scheme. As always we would like to thank everyone for their patience as this work has been carried out.

Current works 

Mitcham’s Corner to Gilbert Road (western side)

Trial holes are being dug to identify underground utilities, and will be followed by the installation of new drainage. Pedestrians should use the crossing point at Gilbert Road on the completed eastern section when heading southbound towards Mitcham’s Corner. It is really important that pedestrians and cyclists use the planned diversion routes while these works are taking place for the safety of all users of Milton Road.

Gilbert Road to Herbert Street (eastern side)

Ongoing works mean there is no pedestrian access between Gilbert Road and Herbert Street on the east side. Pedestrians walking on the western section should use the crossing point at Ascham Road to cross over to the eastern side and continue with their journey.

Works to the Herbert Street junction are going well and are scheduled to be completed in the coming days. 

Elizabeth Way roundabout

Work is continuing on the northwest quadrant of the roundabout close to Highworth Avenue. The works are being carried out in two halves to maintain pedestrian access to the inner ring of the works. When the first half is completed, pedestrian access will be switched to the outer section of the works to allow the remaining section to be completed.

Completed northeast quadrant of Elizabeth Way roundabout

Arbury Road/Union Lane shops

Asphalting has now been carried out on most of the area opposite the shops near the Arbury Road / Union Lane crossroads. The trees within this section are currently being placed within the designated tree pits and are being well watered in addition to the rain. This section has now been opened back up to the public for use so pedestrians and cyclists can travel down Milton Road from south of Cook Close all the way to Elizabeth Way Roundabout.

It is also now possible for pedestrians and cyclists travelling southbound to turn left straight into Union Lane.

New cycleway and footway opposite Arbury Road shops

Cadent Gas diversion

These works are still in progress. Pipe laying is taking place as new trenches are excavated for the gas pipe. This will be followed by the connection of all the properties on the western and eastern sections. Pipe pressure testing is currently being carried out.

Pressure testing being carried out by Cadent Gas

Downhams Lane – Cook Close west

Good progress is being made within this section, with trial holes having been completed, and asphalt removal is now taking place. Some sections are already complete, which allows the team to install drainage ducts.

Access will be maintained for properties, and pedestrian access is on the eastern section.

A pedestrian crossing has been provided for those accessing Woodhead Drive, to cross onto the eastern section to continue on their journey either north or south along Milton Road.

Excavation of works at Woodhead Drive

King’s Hedges junction

While work was carried out at King’s Hedges, high levels of concrete obstructions were uncovered. This resulted in the decision to carry out a small redesign to allow works at the junction to take place with increased efficiency, and activity resumed on 17 July. 

Upcoming Works 

Highworth Avenue

As works on the northwestern section of the roundabout progress, we will shortly be removing the planters down Highworth Avenue in preparation for its closure. The planters are scheduled to be removed from 31 July.

The removal of the planters will allow access to be maintained for residents via Leys Road once we close Highworth Avenue. The closure of Highworth Avenue is scheduled for the week commencing 21 August. Pedestrian and cycle access will be maintained for the duration of the closure. The closure of Highworth Avenue is required in order for works to be carried out on a section of the southwest quadrant of the roundabout. Following this, Highworth Avenue will be reopened and construction on the southwestern quadrant will continue.

We expect to open Highworth Avenue around six weeks after starting the works.  

Completed works 

Science Park

Science Park works were completed on 14 July. All traffic management signs within the area have been removed, and the area is open to traffic.

Pictures showing completed works at the Science Park

Tree maintenance

The newly planted trees along Milton Road are continuing to be cared for with regular watering visits taking place. This is being done by using slow-release irrigation bags filled with water to ensure the trees are able to thrive as part of the scheme.

Trees being watered using an irrigation bag

Bus stops

• Milton P&R (PR5) stopping at P&R, Science Park, Kendal Way (southbound stop moved to 368 Milton Rd), Fraser Rd (northbound stop closed with temporary stop north of Ramsden Square), Downhams Lane (southbound stop moved to 280 Milton Rd), Union Lane (southbound stop suspended), Ascham Rd, Westbrook Centre (northbound stop moved to 17 Milton Rd).
• Number 9 stopping at Science Park, Kendal Way (southbound stop moved to 368 Milton Rd), Fraser Rd (northbound stop closed with temporary stop north of Ramsden Square), Downhams Lane (southbound stop moved to 280 Milton Rd), Union Lane (southbound stop suspended), Ascham Rd, Westbrook Centre (northbound stop moved to 17 Milton Rd).               
• B the busway stopping at Westbrook Centre (northbound stop moved to 17 Milton Rd).      
• 4A only stopping at Kendal Way (southbound stop moved to 368 Milton Rd), service once a day.

• Number 2 stopping at P&R, driving test centre, Cambs North, driving test centre, Chesterton - Milton Rd. 

• Number 1 stopping at Westbrook Centre southbound.

Maintaining your hedges and trees

Please could we remind residents on Milton Road that it is your responsibility to ensure your vegetation does not encroach onto the public highway, and that you should therefore keep hedges, shrubs and overhanging branches located on your property trimmed /pruned. 

Drop-in sessions

The next monthly drop-in session will be on Monday 7 August 2023, 11am – 12pm at Milton Road library.

If you have any concerns during the construction, please do get in touch with Milestone’s project team on MiltonRoad@milestoneinfra.co.uk or telephone the 24 hour contact centre on 0800 023 4762