'It is going to be difficult - but it will be worth it:' Queensgate roundabout works edge closer

Works are set to begin on July 6, which will see the approach to the station from the city centre completely transformed.

The subway underneath Queensgate Roundabout is set to be filled in with more than a thousand tonnes of concrete, before landscaping works complete the final look.

However, to allow the regeneration to be completed, Queensgate Roundabout – one of the busiest in the whole of the city – is set to be reduced to just one lane for around a year.

Motorists are being warned of disruption as a result.

However, leading politicians have said the completed project will be worth it for the city.

Cllr Shabina Qayyum, leader of Peterborough City Council, said: “Yes, the works will take a long time, and there will be a level of disruption, but we are a city that has always spoken being ambitious in change.

“This is the first time we are actually seeing action in that change. And do you know why? It is because we are working together in a collaborative culture. We are not negative and we do not talk our city down.

"It is important that people have access to their city centre. The city is growing in population, it is the fifth fastest growing city in the United Kingdom.

"We do need to make sure we rise above the naysayers who are talking our city down time and time again.

"We have a duty care to our future generations in Peterborough to hand them over a city that is thriving and growing.”

Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Paul Bristow agreed with the council leader.

He said: “When you get out of the station at Peterborough, the first thing you see is the underpass, which right now is not great, and its a bit dangerous too.

"But as people come out of the station in the future, they’ll be able to come all the way, see this beautifully landscaped place, go to Cowgate, which is one of the most iconic streets in Peterborough, with views all the way to the Cathedral.

"I’m really excited. It is going to be difficult (during the works), I’m not going to pretend it is going to be easy. But you don’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs. I know it is going to be difficult. I will be as inconvenienced as anyone, but I think it will be OK. I don’t think it will be too bad. We’ve already sorted out a few issues with the buses, but ultimately, I think it will be worth it.”

Cllr Angus Ellis, cabinet member for transport at Peterborough City Council, said: “The Station Quarter project is going to be a real game-changer for our city and this first phase of works – City Link - will improve access to our railway station. While the station is only a 10-minute walk away from the city centre, it’s very disconnected and not easy to navigate, with poorly lit pavements and walkways.

“City Link will transform this area into a brighter, safer and more accessible route. In addition, those coming out of Peterborough Railway Station will be able to clearly see a welcoming route to the city centre.

“For a project of this scale to be delivered, there will be disruption, but we need to keep our sights on the end goal and what will be achieved. Journey times may be affected during the works around the station. However, we’ll be doing everything we can to keep delays to a minimum.”

What to expect

Lane and full road closures

The Queensgate roundabout will remain operational throughout the project with all entrances and exits still in place. However, the lanes available on the roundabout will be reduced to a single lane, to allow highways operatives space to complete the works safely.

The Queensgate roundabout will remain operational throughout the project with all entrances and exits still in place. However, the lanes available on the roundabout will be reduced to a single lane, to allow highways operatives space to complete the works safely.

There will also be some full closures of Queensgate roundabout planned throughout the course of the project. These will be overnight to reduce disruption for motorists:

Overnight on Sunday, 5 July from 7pm to 6am.

Overnight closures in spring/summer 2027.

Parking

Peterborough Railway Station - From Monday 29 June, the capacity of the main station car park will be reduced by 111 spaces around the Priority Parking area. Please allow extra time for parking and consider using Mayor’s Walk or Spittle Bank car parks.

The short stay car park and drop off zone will remain open and taxis and vehicles will be able to continue to use the route around the car park and entrance and exit as normal.

Queensgate – All car parks will remain open.

Walking and Cycling

Walking – The subway system will be closed from Monday, 6 July. Two diversion routes have been set up:

A route to the railway station around the roundabout from Thorpe Road, via the Priestgate entrance and across Bourges Boulevard.

A dedicated walk-through across the station car park to the station.

Cycling – Cyclists can either use Queensgate roundabout, or dismount from their cycles and use the pedestrian diversion routes.

Buses

There are expected to be short delays to bus times, however, Queensgate roundabout is still operational.