King’s Dyke Level Crossing replacement: timeline, cost and what happens next for vital Peterborough and Whittlesey route

But the delays are not just for motorists - even plans to build a bridge over the rail line have hit several stumbling blocks, leaving residents calling for a new solution. Even more so because of recent road closures due to flooding and roadworks, which have added to the problems.

But as the Peterborough Telegraph is reporting today, there may finally be some relief with works set to begin later this year and possibly be finished by the end of 2021.

So, how did we get to this point and what is happening now?

Background

The 2001 Cambridgeshire Local Transport Plan identified that the level crossing was in need of replacement.

In peak periods the barrier can be down for between 12 and 23 minutes per hour, resulting in significant delays to traffic. Future plans by the rail industry to increase the number of trains travelling along the route, and planning approval for more homes nearby, are set to further increase traffic delays.

A public consultation was held in 2014 on proposals to replace the level crossing.

Of those who responded, 58 per cent, as well as some local businesses and Whittlesey Town Council, supported a route which would bypass the existing level crossing to the south. It involves creating two new roundabouts at Funthams Lane and the brickworks access road.

The scheme requires significant earthworks, ground stabilisation and construction of a bridge over the railway line.

What happened next?

In March 2016, the county council’s planning committee approved the plans, but since then there has been limited progress.

In August 2017, Kier was chosen as the contractor to carry out the first stage of the scheme – a detailed engineering design.

Land surveys and ground investigations were then carried out, before in October 2018 the contract for construction was also awarded to Kier, along with the completion of land purchases.

Problems emerge

In December 2018, the project began with the relocation of high voltage underground electricity cables and archaeological trench digging.

But it soon became clear that problems were emerging with the cost of the project escalating rapidly, prompting urgent talks between the council and Kier.

Costs rise rapidly

The original budget for the scheme was £13.6 million, but in August 2018 county councillors were told the estimated completion costs were expected to significantly exceed £16.9 million.

Two months later it was revealed that the cost has escalated to around £30 million, with the council asking the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority - the county’s mayoral body - to meet the extra cost.

The extra money was said to be for additional strengthening of the route adjacent to the brick pit, reassessment of land costs from agricultural to industrial land value and a “robust” understanding of ground conditions following surveys.

In June 2019, it was then revealed that the budget for the project had now increased to more than £38 million, sparking anger from politicians. This included Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough James Palmer who labelled it “preposterous”.

A month later the county council terminated its contract with Kier.

Delays

The project had originally been due to finish in late 2017/early 2018.

But this timescale has become completely redundant.

The council’s website states that: “Work will begin late 2020 and the new road will be open to the public by the end of 2022.” But as the PT is reporting today, both timelines could be brought forward with December 2022 the deadline for works to conclude as that is when funding for the project from the combined authority runs out.

The website states that the work carried out so far has been:

. A 33KV UK Power Network diversion

. Vegetation clearance

. Asbestos removal

. Ecological mitigation measures - removal of great crested newts.

In January, the council told the Peterborough Telegraph: “The council is still committed to delivering the King’s Dyke crossing project and we are currently out to tender to find a new contractor to build the scheme.”

Where are we at now?

In August last year the council decided to re-tender the contract for the project, and a decision is now expected to be made in April.

Works should then begin later this year, possibly as early as September

Do residents even want a bridge?

Recently, the Peterborough Telegraph asked residents in Whittlesey for their thoughts on a new masterplan for the town.

The most common response was that the bridge should be scrapped and a bypass installed instead. However, it is possible residents will end up with both with Whittlesey Town Council and Fenland District Council expected to bid for funding to examine the business case for a relief road to and from Peterborough.