Having trouble viewing this newsletter? Open it in a web page.  How do I sign up to the newsletter? You can sign up to receive this newsletter direct to your inbox by visiting our website. An update on the safety improvements was discussed by the Highways and Transport Committee meeting on Tuesday, 2 December. The committee papers can be found on our website and the meeting will be live streamed on our YouTube channel. We are committed to reviewing safe crossing points with communities and local councillors. The committee discussed proposals for four areas to either introduce new crossing points or install other measures to help people cross the Busway safely. Locations being considered include either the Community Orchard or Manor Park, Histon as well as Rampton crossing, Over and Oxholme bridleway crossing. In addition, new crossing points are being looked at south of Histon and Impington and at other locations where there is local support. Councillors also heard about the measures already in place such as the temporarily reduced speed limit along the whole Busway, a motorcyclist ban on the path, and a 15mph speed limit on the maintenance track. There has been extra warning and guidance signs added, yellow lines at bus stop platforms, and solar powered lighting at the Busway crossing points. Public meeting held Tuesday 25 November On the evening of Tuesday, 25 November a further drop-in event was held at Histon Baptist Church. Residents had an opportunity to hear about the planned installation of separation fencing, discuss potential options for a new crossing in the area, and to share their views. We were pleased over 50 people were able to attend and share local feedback with us on the plans. This was the third public meeting we’ve held about the safety improvements we’re undertaking along the Busway. 1 December works between Orchard Park and Impington Last issue we shared with you that works will start at Pagram Way (Orchard Park) up to Cambridge Road, Impington from today (Monday 1 December). The work involves digging foundations and installing posts, panels and emergency access gates. Works are expected to take 12 weeks, and we will be keeping you updated on the progress through these newsletters and on our webpage. During these works, the Busway will be closed and a diversion route for buses will be in place. Route A buses will be diverted at Histon and Impington along Cambridge Road, Impington and on to Histon Road into Cambridge city centre. Route B buses will also divert along Cambridge Road and then rejoin the Busway at Orchard Park. The maintenance track, the path which runs alongside the busway, will remain open during the work for pedestrians and cyclists. The path will be narrower than usual, so please be mindful as you pass through this area. We have been engaging with the bus operators throughout and we appreciate the service times will vary particularly when the A14 junction is busy. People can access real time information on the bus companies’ app and updated information on diversions is available on our website. Space for animals: We’ve been working closely with an ecologist as we prepare for, and carry out, works on the Busway. We’re also working with the RSPB on our plans for fencing, particularly in areas close to their reserves. Before starting each stage of our work, we will be checking for newts, toads and other reptile and amphibian species in the area. We plan to clear out the toad tunnels along the Busway whilst it’s closed for fencing works. This work must be done at a certain time of year to avoid disturbing the animals during hibernation season and will be completed by hand under the supervision of an ecologist. We are creating gaps in the bottom of the fencing between the maintenance track and the Busway around every 9m to create paths for small animals like badgers, foxes and hedgehogs. We are also keeping in mind the needs of larger mammals like deer which may need to jump over the fence or find a safe exit route with the design and placement of the separation fencing. Flooding – keep off the track We know it’s frustrating when sections of the path flood, as the area between St Ives Park & Ride and Holywell often does during the winter months. There is feasibility work underway to look at addressing the flooding, including a pontooned walkway, however, further design work is needed. Councillors will be updated on the three locations that regularly flood and the work to address the flooding is likely to take place in 2026. This issue was included in the Busway works update to the Highways and Transport Committee on Tuesday, 2 December When the maintenance track floods, we shut the path gates and put signs in place to advise that the path is closed. For your own safety, we urge people not to try to walk along the Busway track when it’s flooded. Alternative routes are available, please check and plan your journey before setting out. Flood gates are located at Second Drove, just after leaving St Ives Park & Ride, Holywell (Fen Drayton), and Mo Fen (Swavesey). |