Lucy Frazer MP today attended a special sod cutting ceremony to mark the start of works on the eagerly anticipated Ely Southern Bypass designed to alleviate a congestion blighted area of the city which currently gridlocks Ely. Today's ceremony involved all the partners who have made the scheme happen and was presided over by the Deputy Lord-Lieutenant, James Paice.
Lucy said: "Today's Ely Bypass 'Start of Works Ceremony' marks a monumental milestone. The need for a bypass to relieve traffic in Ely which is heavily congested has been known for many years and along the way there have been numerous obstacles to overcome. Making progress with the Ely Bypass is something I campaigned on even before I was elected in May 2015 and has since become one of my key campaigns. I have worked closely with the County Council, the District Council, the Local Enterprise Partnership and the Department of Transport and I will continue to do so at each stage of the project to ensure, as far as I am able, that it progresses on schedule. I am so thrilled to be here today to mark this moment and to acknowledge the hard work of so many that has got us to this point."
The new route will bypass the railway level crossing and underpass by providing a new link between Stuntney Causeway and Angel Drove to the south of the city.
Currently long tail backs can be caused in the area near the station as Heavy Goods Vehicles are forced to use a level crossing which is due to be closed more often due to rail improvements.
The new bypass aims to reduce journey times between A10 and Stuntney Causeway by up to 56% for drivers. It plans to reduce delays for motorists leaving the station by 50% at peak times. And with the addition of a new walkway will bring extra opportunities for walkers and cyclists.