A new crossing on the A605 at the notorious Kings Dyke between Whittlesey and Peterborough has been unanimously approved today (Thursday) by the Planning Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council.

The scheme will create a new 1.1km road taking the A605 over the railway line via a 32 metre long bridge with a separate cycle and foot path along its entire length.

The current A605 carries over 12,000 vehicles a day, is currently closed at the level crossing barrier between eight and 25 minutes every hour due to train movements on the track.

The new scheme will cut congestion in and around Whittlesey, reduce journey times and assist local communities and businesses to grow.

With planning approval having been granted, work will now begin to tender the design and build contract with the completion of the scheme projected to be late 2017/early 2018.

Cllr Ian Bates, chairman of economy and environment committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “It is fantastic news that the planning permission has been given to the new King’s Dyke crossing. There will be significant benefits for the local community, for businesses in Whittlesey and for commuters in general. Not only will journey times be improved, it will reduce congestion and make accessing the west of Whittlesey much easier.

“The economic benefits of this scheme are obvious - local businesses have told us this is the right project in the right place - but most importantly this is a piece of infrastructure which will make a real difference to people’s lives. As a local authority, it is important that we deliver the projects which our residents and businesses need – this scheme is an excellent example of how we can develop a project which can help Cambridgeshire grew and flourish in the years to come.”

For more information on the King’s Dyke scheme go to: www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/info/20051/transport_projects/520/kings_dyke_crossing.