Drivers and pedestrians 'absolutely appalled' as roadworks leave busy route 'needlessly unsafe'

Roadworks taking place on both sides of Milton Road have left drivers, pedestrians and cyclists feeling "absolutely appalled" . Parts of the pavement between Downhams Lane and Union Lane have become impassable, leaving pedestrians no choice but to walk along the busy road.

The road is being altered to make way for a new pavement and cycle path as part of the Milton Road project, under the Greater Cambridge Partnership. Work has been ongoing since June 2022 with the aim of making travel in and out of the city centre easier and more sustainable.

Milton resident, Serian Evans, had to cross the same road three times just to get to the corner shop when she was heavily pregnant.

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Ms Evans said: “They are trying to make this work, but if you’re in a wheelchair, you won’t be able to push the button for the traffic lights.”

She says this is because of uneven and narrow ground beside the temporary traffic lights. According to the scheme’s contractor, Milestone, the project will “encourage the continued economic growth of Greater Cambridge, without harming existing communities”.

But residents are getting tired of the disruption that the works are causing.

Colin Williams has limited vision and needed to collect a prescription from Milton Road Pharmacy on Wednesday afternoon (17 April). Mr Williams said there was no pedestrian crossing when walking from Union Lane towards the pharmacy. Although he is not blind, he cannot see cars or bikes coming along the road.

He said: “We had to chance our luck with the traffic and cross the busy road. It would be equally dangerous for elderly slow walkers, wheelchairs and mums with young children. I think it is appalling how little has been done to help elderly and disabled people negotiate these roadworks."

Another resident who did not want to be named, told CambridgeshireLive : “I understand this work is aiming to make things better for cyclists in the long run, but the project management failure has meant it has ended up needlessly unsafe. We have little children cycling to school and there's nowhere for them to go but on the road with the lorries and the potholes."

James Grainger, who regularly drives and walks along Milton Road, says he is “absolutely appalled” at the work taking place. He said: “There are bits that are incomplete and then they start another bit."

As a driver, Mr Grainger is concerned for walkers and cyclists who must cross at various points over uneven services.

Chloe Thomas had to face oncoming traffic at night when cycling home from Cambridge North station: “I saw that the temp crossing near the Skoda Garage wasn’t working, so I crossed anyway when it was quiet, but then there was literally no pavement on the Golden Hind side of the street and I had to very quickly cycle on the wrong side of the road to get off it."

Some residents however, see that the work is essential and are understanding of the lengthy process.

Milton Road resident, Mervyn Hughes, said: “There is no alternative. It was unfeasible to leave it as before. The reason it is taking so long is because they need to do it bit by bit. If they could block the whole road it could be done in two to three months. It’s got to be done.”

In response to some of the concerns, Thomas Porter, project manager for the GCP, said: “Safety is of the utmost importance in the delivery of our schemes which is why we have a number of measures in place to ensure our contractors and the public are safe while this work is carried out.

“While there is a very short section of Milton Road where the footpath is closed, we continue to retain safe access for people. There is a pedestrian crossing just north of the roundabout near 105/107 Milton Road and a pedestrian diversion with signage showing people how to access the shops and pharmacy safely are in place.

“Work on the Milton Road project is expected to complete later this year as planned and will include new bus lanes alongside upgraded walking and cycling paths to enhance journeys along a key route in and out of Cambridge to help cut congestion and improve air quality.”

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