A10 to Close for Three Weekends for New Bridge Installation

A section of the A10 near Waterbeach will be closed for three weekends in September 2024 to facilitate the installation of a new bridge designed for pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians. The closures, scheduled from September 6 to September 21, will affect the road from the Cambridge Research Park roundabout to the Denny End Road junction, allowing for significant construction work.

The A10 will be shut from 20:00 on Fridays until 04:00 on the following Mondays, enabling 24-hour operations for the bridge’s installation. The new structure will connect the developing town of Waterbeach to the recently upgraded Mere Way, creating a direct, predominantly off-road route to Cambridge. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance active travel options in the area.

Urban&Civic, the master developer overseeing the project, aims to minimize disruption to local traffic during the construction. An additional A10 closure will occur from the Denny End Road junction to the Car Dyke Road junction, coinciding with the main road closure. This strategy is intended to reduce traffic congestion, particularly for heavy goods vehicles, while ensuring that all other local roads remain accessible.

Paul Mumford, Project Director for Urban&Civic, emphasized the importance of the new bridge. He stated, “The new bridge is a significant piece of infrastructure for Waterbeach and will provide residents and the wider community with a direct, predominantly off-road, active travel route to Cambridge.” He also noted that the bridge aligns with additional travel initiatives from the Greater Cambridge Partnership, which includes plans for future Park & Ride facilities and a new busway.

The installation of the 90-metre, 150-tonne steel bridge will take place during the first weekend closure, while the subsequent weekends will focus on finishing works such as tarmacking and path lighting. Karl Lomas, Project Manager for GRAHAM, which is responsible for the bridge’s construction, acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the closures. He stated, “We understand that these road closures will impact local people travelling in the area and our team will be working 24/7 during these periods to complete the complex lifting installation as efficiently and safely as possible.”

The completion of the new bridge is anticipated in early 2026, marking a significant advancement in infrastructure for the Waterbeach community. Local residents and road users have been encouraged to prepare for the upcoming disruptions and to plan their travel accordingly during the construction period.