Roadworks

Keeping Queen Edith’s Moving – Even During Roadworks

I know that many of you have been concerned about the recent and ongoing roadworks affecting our area. From Mowbray Road to Long Road, it can feel like the diggers and cones are everywhere. I want to thank you for your patience—and to share some insight into why this is happening and how the County Council is working hard behind the scenes on your behalf.

Why So Many Roadworks?

What many people don’t realise is that utility companies—such as UK Power Networks and Cadent Gas—have a legal right to dig up the roads when they need to install or upgrade infrastructure. With the growing number of providers, the council’s Streetworks Team now has to manage twice as many major roadwork requests as they did just a few years ago.

Add to that the increasing demand for electricity from new developments, digital infrastructure, and electric vehicles—and the fact that many of our pipes and cables are decades old—and it’s easy to see how this disruption builds up.

What the Council Can Do Now

Although the council can’t stop the utility companies from carrying out this essential work, council officers do coordinate and manage it to ensure that disruption is minimised. The team works tirelessly to:

• Plan the timing of road closures to avoid peak periods
• Keep as many roads open as possible
• Ensure utilities work together when digging in the same place

This coordination is critical—and often invisible—but it makes a real difference to how smoothly traffic can continue to flow. The council totally refuses about 15% of streetwork applications and insists on alterations to around 30%.

What The Council Can do in the Future

The council is exploring the introduction of a ‘Lane Rental’ scheme for utility works. At present, utility companies often aim to cut costs, which can result in longer project durations. A Lane Rental scheme would allow the council to designate key roads as sensitive and charge a daily fee for works that cause disruption. This approach requires government approval, but if granted, it would provide a strong incentive for utility companies to complete work more quickly and reduce disruption on major roads.

What’s Happening Now in Queen Edith’s

Here’s a quick summary of the main works and what they mean for you:

Mowbray Road (UK Power Networks)
Cabling work to improve electricity reliability in the south of the city. Full road closures, but only in small sections at a time. Completion by 20 July 2025.

Addenbrooke’s Roundabout
Safety improvements following a tragic cyclist fatality. Work is overnight only and won’t affect daytime traffic. Due to finish 3 July 2025.

Hills Road (Cadent Gas)
Essential replacement of ageing iron gas mains starting from the Catholic Church down to the bridge over the railway. Four phases starting 23 June 2025, ending 27 February 2026. Closure of the bus lane only with cyclists still able to use it — car traffic will be maintained throughout.

Long Road (Cadent Gas)
More gas main renewal work between 7 July and 22 August 2025, with traffic lights in place. Some delays expected, but we’re working to keep them to a minimum.

While this much work is never convenient, it is essential for ensuring the safety and future-proofing of our local services. Once complete, we’ll all benefit from safer roads, more reliable power, and upgraded utilities that will serve Queen Edith’s for decades to come.

Thank you again for your patience and understanding. If you have any questions or concerns, I’m here to help—please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly at karenyoung.libdems@gmail.com or karen.young@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.