New access road – FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the opening of the new access road and new active travel routes.

Who will use the road?

The new road has been designed to be used by everyone and provide a new connection from Northstowe to the A14 and beyond. There are also new cycleways and footways adjacent to the road providing other ways to get around.

The road will be used by residential cars, partly by construction traffic up to the new roundabout at the southernmost edge of the site, commercial vehicles for deliveries as well as other regular daily journeys, depending on where you live in Northstowe. Residents may use it for visiting Tesco at Bar Hill, for example, and accessing the A14 for main journeys north, and south, east and west of the local area. Construction traffic will be limited and Phase 2 construction traffic will be directed to a dedicated haul road as appropriate. See map for details.

Who is responsible for the long-term maintenance of the road?

Like other roads in the region, the new access road will become the responsibility of Cambridgeshire County Council. There will be a period of time when Homes England will retain management responsibility of the road until it can be transferred formally to the Council through a process called ‘adoption’.

What type of road is it?

The section between the B1050 and the new northern roundabout is a dual carriageway. The road sections between the northern roundabout and Stirling Road are all part of the wider Northstowe internal highway network. See map for details.

What will the speed limit be?

Speed limits will vary along the new dual carriageway and other sections of the road into Northstowe. Each section of the road will be signed, and various control measures will be in place.

What speed mitigation is in place?

There are crossings and junctions along the road at various points, including a roundabout. Speed limits are signed appropriately, and traffic speeds will be monitored and are enforceable.

What pedestrian and cycling infrastructure will be put in place?

A new cycleway and footway route runs adjacent to the entire length of the road linking with existing provision in the area. On the dual-carriageway section, the shared cycling and pedestrian route is segregated from the road by landscaping.

A new Pegasus Crossing will provide a crossing point for pedestrians, cyclists, horses and their riders.

What is the status of the public right of way/bridleway which runs across the route of the dual carriageway?

The bridleway remains open and has been diverted over a feature footbridge called Wilson’s Bridge. It has been designed for pedestrians, cyclists and horses. See map for details.

Will the road be lit?

Lighting in proximity to key junctions is provided to ensure road safety. Streetlight dimming will be consistent with Cambridgeshire County Council standards.

Will the new access road connect to the guided busway?

In the future, the new access road will include a bus link to the guided busway and a cycleway and footway are set to run parallel to this link. This section of busway, cycleway, and footway is currently closed to the public, but we hope to open the cycleway and footway shortly, subject to a safety audit. Please see the map for further details.

Are there any bus stops on the road?

Currently, there is a bus stop along Stirling Road, in close proximity to the schools, and more will be introduced as Northstowe continues to develop. In the future, buses may use the new access road.

Is there a hard shoulder along the dual carriageway section?

There is no hard shoulder along the dual carriageway.

Is the new road intended to be a through route or just to serve residents and businesses locally?

The purpose of the road is to provide access and movement to and from the residential areas of Northstowe. It connects to the B1050, but the main regional road route will remain the A14.

What else is opening?

The opening of the new access road will enable access to the lake. The road is opening late on Friday 29 September 2023, allowing the lake to open this weekend. The lake includes pedestrian and cycle routes around the lakes, which have been named Unity Lake, and Halcyon Mere by members of the community. However, please note that access to the water is not currently allowed while Homes England monitors water quality to ensure the safety of residents.

Why have plastic barriers been installed along Stirling Road near the schools?

Parking is prohibited on the cycleways. Temporary barriers have been installed along Stirling Road on a trial basis, helping to prevent parking in cycle lanes to support student safety at Northstowe Secondary College. The barriers are placed between the cycleways and the vehicular carriageway to provide segregation and protection between cyclists and vehicles.

Car parking is available in the main car park of Northstowe Secondary College (drivers can access this by turning left after passing the school). Cyclists should use the cycleways which feature white painted-bicycles and are mostly red.

Why are there still cones on the B1050 roundabout?

The few remaining cones are in place to protect our workforce as they resurface the adjoining footway, following nearby works by UK Power Networks. As soon as those works are complete they will be removed.

All matters relating to construction traffic for the new school buildings are to be directed to Kier via Steven.Ponting@kier.co.uk

 If you have any questions, please contact the project team at northstowe2@homesengland.gov.uk or by writing to Homes England at Northstowe House, Rampton Road, Longstanton, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB24 3EN.

Any issues regarding Homes England owned/managed land in Northstowe, including the lake or new access road, should be reported via the 24/7 helpdesk, on 0845 603 1485.