A10 funding bid could see dualling work start in 2024
Dualling the A10 between Cambridge and Ely could be complete by the summer of 2026, a report to the government suggests.
The road, which suffers from “critically low speeds” during the morning rush-hour, is one of a number of schemes put forward for a slice of £700m of government money.
Regional body England’s Economic Heartland (EEH) applied for £264.2m for dualling the A10 from Ely to Cambridge – and a further £37m for junction improvements on the same stretch, on August 13.
Dave Hodgson is chair of EEH’s strategic transport forum, which meets in public and includes elected leaders and cabinet members from authorities across the region.
He said: “The economic performance of our region is consistently above the national standard but our success brings with it pressures on our transport infrastructure, resulting in disruption, unreliability and pollution.
“This programme of investment is a critical first step towards enabling the Heartland’s potential to be realised on a global scale.
“The schemes we’re promoting have undergone a rigorous process to ensure they deliver for the region’s residents, businesses and environment. Individually and collectively, they will accelerate economic growth and support our communities.”
EEH’s submission follows a request from government for regions to agree their priorities for improving the major road network. The A10 scheme was put forward by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, which agreed the move at its board meeting in July.
Mayor James Palmer said: “We know that for the A10, dualling has been long on the local wish list, with journey times and congestion already causing frustrating delays and holding back our economy. With future predicted housing and business growth in the Cambridge to Ely corridor, the need for this upgrade couldn’t be clearer.”
To qualify for funding, schemes have to be deliverable by 2025. The government is expected to announce its funding decisions later this year.
A business case for both of the schemes has yet to be completed. The application suggests work could start on the dualling works in June 2024 and last for two years. The junction improvements have a variable timetable of 2022/3 to start and 2024/5 to completion.
