Residents are being invited to have their say about proposals to improve the A141 and introduce new active travel and public transport routes in the St Ives and Huntingdon areas, according to Cambridgeshire County Council.
The proposals are part of the A141 and St Ives Improvements Scheme. Working closely with other partners, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority is the project lead and Cambridgeshire County Council is responsible for delivering the scheme.
A public consultation on the proposals opens today (Wednesday 16 October) from 12.00pm midday and closes at 11.59pm on Wednesday 27 November 2024.
The A141 is a critical part of the Huntingdonshire transport infrastructure but is frequently congested and doesn’t have enough off-road cycling and walking facilities and public transport options. This leads to road safety issues, poor noise and air quality and drivers ‘rat-running’ through villages on minor roads. With further housing developments and economic growth expected, it will put extra pressure on the local infrastructure.
The scheme proposals include seven new active travel routes; eight new public transport initiatives with a focus on bus travel; and development of a bypass to enable heavy goods vehicles and through-traffic to avoid local town centres and surrounding villages. The active travel routes will be designated for walking, cycling and travelling by scooter, wheelchair or mobility aids.
To find out more about the scheme proposals and ask questions, residents are being invited to a series of events or online webinars:
- Thursday 17 October 2024, 1pm – 2.30pm (online webinar)
- Friday 18 October 2024, 3pm – 7pm (drop-in event at The Coneygear Centre, Buttsgrove Way, Huntingdon PE29 1PE)
- Tuesday 5 November 2024, 9am – 2pm (drop-in event at St Ives Corn Exchange, The Pavement, The Old Riverport, St Ives PE27 5AD)
- Thursday 7 November 2024, 6.30pm – 8pm (online webinar)
Throughout the consultation, residents can also visit an exhibition in the reception of New Shire Hall, Emery Crescent, Enterprise Campus, Alconbury Weald, Huntingdon PE28 4YE.
The consultation findings will help inform any future decisions made by Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority and Cambridgeshire County Council regarding the proposals to be taken forward.
Cllr Alex Beckett, chair of the Highways and Transport Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “We want to improve the A141, provide more ways to do short, local journeys on foot, bike and on wheels and provide more bus routes. These proposals could reduce congestion, improve health and wellbeing and unlock economic growth. We want to improve local infrastructure, support the local community and encourage people to make better, safer and more sustainable journeys. I would urge everyone to take part and let us know your thoughts.”
Dr Nik Johnson, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said: “Our communities deserve modern, efficient transport networks that connect people, reduce congestion, and support our region’s growth. The A141 and St Ives Improvements Scheme offers a chance to deliver significant enhancements for public transport, cycling, walking, and safer travel. This consultation is a vital opportunity for local residents to have their say and shape these improvements to ensure they meet the needs of our communities now and in the future. I strongly encourage everyone to get involved, share your feedback, and help us create a more sustainable and accessible transport network for Huntingdonshire.”
Cllr Sam Wakeford, Executive Councillor for Economy, Regeneration and Housing at Huntingdonshire District Council, said: “The A141 improvements are essential to unlocking the full potential of Huntingdonshire. By enhancing traffic flow, improving safety, and reducing congestion, we hope this project will not only improve the quality of life for people but also strengthen our local economy, boost local businesses, and attract new investment. We encourage as many people as possible take part in the consultation to ensure your views help shape these important changes for our district.”
To find out about the proposals and comment on them, and to register for a webinar, visit: www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/A141-StIves
More than 56,000 households and businesses in the St Ives and Huntingdon area have been sent information about the consultation. Leaflets and posters are also available in the St Ives Library, Huntingdon Library and Archives, Warboys Library and via the Huntingdonshire Mobile Library service as well as community centres.
