North Bank Road to Reopen Friday

Last week, because of frustration over the extension to the closure of North Bank Road, I asked for a representative to Peterborough City Council to be invited to attend our neighbourhood forum on Thursday.  I don't know if that invite focussed minds or whether this is just a coincidence but, although the offer was refused, they have sent this statement:

"Northey Gravel Bridge Replacement on Northey Rd / North Bank is now at a stage where the road can be re-opened, as programmed, by the end of the day this Friday 14th Jan.  The traffic will still be controlled across the bridge in a narrow lane as works will still be ongoing for a few weeks completing the finishing touches.  The road will have to be closed again for a few hours on a weekend to enable a crane to lift out the temporary footbridge.

The scheme has been a success, on programme and within budget despite challenging conditions, maintaining a valuable access into the City which can really be appreciated when not available during the works.

I am not sure how people view the comment that the scheme has been a success.  From my perspective it has been badly planned and organised and the views of Whittlesey residents have largely been ignored.  Having been to see the new bridge on Friday I also have concerns about the impact the widening will have on the speed of traffic approaching the river from the Peterborough end, which I will follow up.  But, nonetheless it is great news that the access is to be reopened.

Closure of North Bank Road Part 3

I have been doing some chasing about the North Bank.  Apparently, Peterborough City Council have changed their way of working to get around the Moorhen problem, which means that the planned re-opening of the North Bank remains January next year.   This is good for two reasons:

1.  We only have to suffer the misery of difficult travel into Peterborough until January

2.  It means there is time in this financial year to get the necessary repairs to the A605 completed.

CCC Highways Dept are going to do some of the repairs overnight shortly - but only on quieter stretches where residents won't be disturbed.    The rest will be done after the North Bank has reopened.

Thanks to Officers at CCC and Peterborough for working on this.  Still don't like the closure - but at least the impact has been minimised

I predict a flood

I noticed a severe weather warning had been issued today for the North Bank and I have just run to Peterborugh and back along the embankment and it is looking like it is as close to flooding as it could be.

I know what a pain in the neck the trip to Peterborough can be when the North Bank is closed - and I have asked for a Highways Officer to come out and take a look for himself to see the problem first hand - but please, please obey the signs.  Taking a chance risks all sorts of tough outcomes.  It may be that your car would get through (but it may not), but how would you feel if someone followed you through and got stuck?