Why work has ground to a halt at Mill Road junction in Cambridge – and when it will reopen
The Brooklands end of Mill Road will reopen soon following completion of repair work which began on November 18, according to Cambridgeshire County Council - and the mystery of why no work appears to have taken place there for several weeks has been solved.
The original repair was to fix a leaking gas main, but that work was completed on December 1.
However, an Anglian Water spokesperson explained: “Our pipe was unfortunately damaged by the Cadent Gas works taking place at the time.”
Replacing the pipe has taken longer than expected because the water company “is having to source a specialist to fix the pipe”, explaining why residents may have noticed a lack of activity at the site in recent weeks.
The reopening of the Brookfields junction at the bottom of Mill Road is set for Friday, 12 January, bringing to an end a difficult time for drivers and residents in affected areas.
The last seven weeks have meant that vehicles have had to exit Mill Road by turning right along Montreal Road and then down Natal Road on to Perne Road. Natal Road is very narrow, however, so most vehicles wanting to get into Mill Road instead proceeded to Radegund Road, then along Coleridge Road, before turning left into Mill Road opposite Romsey Mill Centre - adding more than 1.5 miles to journey times.
A spokesman for Cadent Gas said: “The work taking place in Brookfields Road, Cambridge, was to repair a leaking gas main. In order for us to reach the affected gas pipe, it was necessary to break a live culvert which is owned by Anglian Water. The gas repair was completed on 1 December 2023, and we are now working with colleagues from Anglian Water and Cambridgeshire County Council to get the road restored as quickly and as safely as possible.
“We’d like to thank residents for their understanding and patience as this repair is completed.”
A Cambridgeshire County Council spokesperson told the Cambridge Independent: “There are ongoing works for Cadent Gas on Brookfields, at the end of Mill Road.
“The original dates for the closure were from 18-23 November 2023 to repair a gas leak, however we were then alerted to a water pipe being damaged, which is owned by Anglian Water.
“The road closure remains in place whilst Anglian Water arrange repairs to the pipe.
“The work is now expected to finish on 12 January, though Anglian Water is having to source a specialist to fix the pipe.
“We are working with both utility companies to ensure this can be resolved as soon as possible.”
Cadent Gas added: “We would also like to remind everyone that if they ever suspect a gas leak then they should call the Gas Emergency number on 0800 111 999 as it may not be related to this incident. The number operates 24/7 and is free to call."
