County planners have finally submitted a planning application for a £17million for the congested King’s Dyke level crossing at Whittlesey.

Cambs Times: The proposed location of the level crossing replacement in Whittlesey.The proposed location of the level crossing replacement in Whittlesey. (Image: Archant)

Cambridgeshire County Council hope to create a new alignment for the A605 linking to the existing road at the McCain’s and the Hanson’s site accesses by creating new roundabouts.

Currently 12,000 vehicles use the section of the A605 each day. There are also 120 train movements across the level crossing per day, resulting in a delay of between eight and 25 minutes in each hour at the crossing.

The proposed replacement is set to reduce overall delays, currently caused by the level crossing in Whittlesey.

The replacement received overwhelming support from the public following a public consultation late last year, with 95% of the 827 survey responses supporting the replacement of the level crossing.

Cambs Times: Kings Dyke crossing.Kings Dyke crossing. (Image: Archant)

There was an overwhelming preference for the option of bypassing the level crossing, which was the option with the least impact on traffic during construction.

The bypass would be a single carriageway road built to modern high standards, joining the existing A605 at the new roundabouts.

It is forecast that works could be completed in 2017 if the planning application is approved.

Cambridgeshire County Councillor Ian Bates, chairman of the economy and environment committee, said: “Submitting this planning application is long awaited. “The suggested replacement of the level crossing is welcome by residents and businesses around Whittlesey and beyond. It is part of the county council working to reduce congestion and help support the local community and economy.

“This road is a major artery and it is essential that it is improved.”