𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝟭𝟬𝟰𝟬 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱, 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀𝗲𝘆

Whittlesey is served by two main roads, the B1040 that links us with Thorney to the North and Ramsey to the South, and the A605 that serves is East and West. Both support vehicles of all sizes, including HGV. However, sometimes the Southern route suffers from undulations caused by the drying out of Fen soil. 

Speeding is another issue that local authorities struggle with. Recent traffic calming measures deployed in Pondersbridge were introduced, reviewed, and potentially will be removed/amended. Generally accepted as successful in reducing speed, there are issues with the layout. 

This road enters Whittlesey as Ramsey Road, crossing the railway and joining the A605 via Church Street. Residents suffer noise and vibration from heavy vehicles and irresponsible speeding within the 30mph zone. The suggested solutions include a 20mph speed limit, traffic calming such as chicanes, vertical shifts, pinch points, or any combination that is under discussion. 

Some measures can irritate residents because slower speed means longer duration, additional air pollution, and some actions create noise. In the 1,500 metres under consideration, Whittlesey Town Council and Cambridgeshire Highways are trying to find acceptable solutions. 

Heading North from Whittlesey, recent development works by the developers of Hartley Grange where a pavement installation requires a widening of the road and has been controlled by 3-way traffic lights. This has created significant delays with traffic backing up 1,000 metres from A605 heading North and returning traffic up to 2,000 metres in the evening rush hour. This inconvenience will eventually pass when the road widening is complete. 

However, a set of traffic calming measures that few people know are expected to be installed to reduce speed where the development joins the B1040. A roundabout might have been a better solution, but it would inevitably cost the developer more money. In addition, HGVs use this road frequently so that the restrictions will create delays, noise and air quality issues for those living nearby. 

Then the road is liable to regular flooding. Finally, a combination of the above issues will likely create a ‘rat run’ through adjacent housing areas, including AJS Academy, the largest primary school in the County. As a result, additional 20mph speed restrictions are likely to be introduced. 

I don’t know the answers, but never has there been a need for the bridge over the A605 Kings Dyke crossing PLUS the consideration of a Southern Relief Road. As a community, we need to plan for better infrastructure to preserve the safety and clean air.