Part Of Busway Has Builders Back In

A section of the path used by cyclists and pedestrians next to the Busway is to close, just 3 weeks after opening.

Cambridgeshire County Council say work begins today, to raise the level of the path which runs alongside the Busway between Swavesey and St Ives.

Raising the level of sections of the path will stop rain water collecting and flooding it. The cost of the work has been deducted from former contractors as they built sections of the path at too low a level.

Once the path has been raised a top-notch blacktop surface will be added to complete the 16 mile cycling superhighway.

No access is permitted to the closed section of the path until the works are complete and Council bosses are warning residents that it is ill advised to walk or cycle on the guideway as buses are now running at least every ten minutes.

Signs have been put in place at entrances to the route to give advance warning of the closure and a diversion route will be via local villages on the national cycle network.

Ian Bates, Cambridgeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Growth and Planning told Heart: "A lot of work has been carried out with the Environment Agency to get our plans to this stage and it is great news that the work to raise the level of the cycleway can now get underway. The Busway is a great asset for Cambridgeshire and it is fantastic news that cyclists, walkers and horse-riders will have such a high quality path to enjoy.

Mr Bates added: "Once complete the route will have a top-notch surface, but please use your common sense while the work is being carried out as it is very unwise to walk or cycle on the guideway. The closure will begin after the bank holiday weekend to make sure people can make the most of the three day weekend.”