Major roadworks could be delayed by up to two months after the discovery of more skeletons. At the end of July, four skeletons were discovered under the Queensgate roundabout in Peterborough.

They were discovered during works on the roundabout as part of the City Link project, aiming to improve the city’s railway station. The number of skeletons discovered then increased to 12 in the weeks that followed, says Cambridge News.

Now, that number has more than tripled with Peterborough City Council confirming that 37 skeletons have been found. Queensgate roundabout was built in the 1970s, and was previously the site of a Victorian cemetery which closed to burials in 1858.

Councillor Angus Ellis, cabinet member for transport at the council said:

“Work is currently continuing at the site, with staff from M Group working alongside Oxford Archaeology following the discovery of human skeletal remains. Archaeologists have now discovered 37 skeletons along with tombs and burial chambers.”

The council anticipates that the roadworks, due to be complete in summer 2027, could be delayed by up to eight weeks.

Cllr Ellis added:

“This is due to the nature of the work that the archaeologists are undertaking, which is intricate and time-consuming. We are looking at options to reduce this possible delay in later phases of the project and will announce updates in due course.”

(Picture: Mapillary)