Cambridge’s East Road roundabout and underpass could be removed

A roundabout and underpass system could be removed under plans to improve walking, cycling and public transport journeys to the east of Cambridge.

The Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) is proposing to remove the roundabout at the junction of East Road and Elizabeth Way under its Cambridge Eastern Access project.

Councillors are calling on the public to have their say on the plans which they say were ‘hidden’ within the wider Newmarket Road plans.

City councillor Richard Robertson (Lab, Petersfield) said: “The proposal would release areas of land around the existing roundabout for landscaping. However, it would also require cutting down the three large trees within the roundabout. These were planted at my instigation around 1990 when I was previously on the city council. They are now substantial trees rising well above the parapet of the roundabout.”

“Over the years there have been several proposals for making use of the quite pleasant open space within the roundabout for something like an arts centre. Concreting over it all would certainly terminate any such ideas.

“We need to make sure everybody is aware of this proposal and provide the GCP with their views on the design.”

The proposal involves removing the subway system and filling in the large central sunken area to create a four-way junction on a single flat surface with no roundabout.

Light-controlled pedestrian crossings would be constructed on each of the four roads of the junction under the plans, with cycle lanes on both sides of each route leading to the junction before circling around it.

The plans also include the removal of the traffic light-controlled cycle and pedestrian crossing over Newmarket Road at Abbey Street.

County councillor Richard Howitt (Lab, Petersfield) said: “This is a major entry point to Cambridge city centre, which experiences very large traffic flows and where we very much want to see a better environment for walkers and cyclists. The plan to replace the underpasses is a major change and it is important local people are made aware of the proposed changes and the best solutions for all users are found.”

Fellow county councillor Alex Bulat (Lab, Abbey) added: “An overhaul of the junction and its use by those on foot, bicycle and in motor vehicles was well overdue. We want everyone affected to tell us what they think about the changes proposed.

“Do they feel that keeping and improving the cycle routes and system of underpasses or would they prefer a four-lane junction, with pedestrians and cyclists required to be beside and crossing the motor traffic on the surface?”

The CEA project includes better cycle lanes, new signal-controlled cycle and pedestrian priority junctions – which prioritise walking and cycling – new bus lanes, a floating bus stop and improved footpaths along the length of Newmarket Road.

The GCP is also asking people to share their views on the proposed relocation of the Newmarket Road Park & Ride to a site off the junction of Newmarket Road and Airport Way.

Two consultation events have been held about the overall scheme but they were both located in Barnwell.

Cllr Robertson said: “At our insistence a third consultation event is now to be held near the roundabout. GPC officers will be there with the plans and ready to explain and answer questions about the proposals.”

The additional in-person drop in event will be held on Tuesday, March 7 in the Lord Ashcroft Building at Anglia Ruskin University in East Road from 5.30pm-7.30pm.

A GCP spokesperson said: “In previous consultations, people raised concerns around the safety of the underpass and how the Elizabeth Way roundabout is not a nice environment for pedestrians and cyclists to use. That is why we are proposing a signal-controlled crossing that makes it safer and easier for everyone to use.

“We encourage people to look at the detailed designs online or attend one of our upcoming public drop-in events.”

This GCP consultation on the CEA project – including the plans for the roundabout – runs until midday on Monday, March 20.

Visit bit.ly/3Y1sDOo.