‘Major’ Queensgate roadworks to cause significant delays for Peterborough drivers
Road signs have been erected in Peterborough city centre warning motorists of impending ‘major works’ that are likely to cause significant traffic issues.
Drivers heading into work in the city recently will have seen signs on main motoring arteries stating: “ADVANCE WARNING: MAJOR WORKS: QUEENSGATE ROUNDABOUT: DELAYS EXPECTED”
The signage also confirms that the work is scheduled to begin on July 6 and last until summer 2027.
The Queensgate roundabout is one of the busiest interchanges in the city, accommodating significant volumes of cars, lorries and buses from all parts of the city, including two carriageways of Bourges Boulevard and ever-busy Thorpe Road. In addition, the roundabout is also an exit point for Peterborough’s busy bus station.
These major works are likely to cause significant disruption as much of the traffic using the roundabout and surrounding area is drawn to the car parks which serve both the railway station and Queensgate Shopping Centre.
The works set to be carried out are part of a £1.5 million overhaul which will see two of the roundabout’s three subways filled in and then replaced with a pedestrian crossing into Cowgate. This initiative – known as ‘City Link’ – will allow people and cyclists to make use of a realigned path on raised ground level to reach the city centre.
So, while the year-long overhaul of the Queensgate roundabout will undoubtedly cause traffic woes for many, it will eventually generate a more tranquil city centre experience for pedestrians and cyclists.
The transformation of the Queensgate roundabout is the first phase of the £65 million Station Quarter regeneration, an ambitious project which aims to turn Peterborough railway station into a double-sided gateway with a new western entrance, commercial space, and enhanced cycle and pedestrian links into the city centre.