Hope grows for new plans to improve A47 road near Peterborough
Hopes have been voiced that new outline plans to upgrade the A47 near Peterborough could be ready within months.
Work is under way to look at new options and costs for improvements to the A47 between Wansford and Sutton.
It comes after earlier plans for a £100 million upgrade of the A47, and which had been seven years in the planning, were axed last summer because of the cost.
North West Cambridgeshire MP Sam Carling said: “National Highways are currently analysing the options and identifying which measures would deliver the greatest safety improvements and best value for money, with conclusions expected in the coming months.
“At that point, we will be in a position to put forward a strong case for funding and carry out broader public consultation.
He said: “Improving the A47 and A1 is vital for residents and businesses across North West Cambridgeshire.
“People want safer junctions, more reliable journey times and clarity about what’s actually going to be delivered.
Mr Carling added: “Through the new A47 Safety Group - bringing together National Highways, councillors, political leaders, community representatives and myself - we’re ensuring decisions are grounded in clear evidence on safety, cost and value.
“The priority now is practical, deliverable improvements that enhance safety for everyone using the corridor, and I’ll continue working with all parties to make sure that happens.”
Although the decision to axe the earlier A47 scheme was announced last year, the Department of Transport has just announced it is seeking the official dismissal of the planning approval for the works.
It is seeking the revocation of the A47 Wansford to Sutton development consent orders.
It states: “The Secretary of State is satisfied that there are exceptional circumstances, following the government’s decision not to continue its commitment to funding this scheme… granted consent on 17 February 2023 to National Highways to undertake works for the development of a dual carriageway road between Wansford and the western extent of the existing A47 dual carriageway at Sutton.”
At the time Mr Carling said: “What I’ve heard reinforces my belief that people want investment in this stretch of the A47 - but investment that is properly thought through, deliverable, and shaped by local input.”