'First cycle street' shut after two months for works

A new £2.4m road claimed to be England's first "cycle street" has closed after just a few months because road markings were said not to be up to standard.

Adams Road, in the west of Cambridge, said to be used by 3,000 cyclists per day, gives cyclists and pedestrians priority over motorists.

It opened at the end of May, but was closed on Monday until 21 August, and the double yellow lines appeared to have been removed as part of the work.

The Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP), which was behind the project, said while carrying out routine checks "it became clear some of the road markings were not up to the required standards". The contractor, M Group, apologised for the disruption.

The GCP said: "Our contractor, M Group, takes full responsibility and is removing and replacing them at their own expense. There is no additional cost to the GCP or taxpayers."

The street is part of a wider so-called "greenway" scheme by the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP), which aims to improve walking and cycling journeys between the city and the village of Comberton.

The road has been painted red and footpaths have been widened, while much of the on-road parking has been removed to eliminate blind spots for drivers exiting driveways as well as reduce the risk of doors opening onto riders.

Under the rules, motorists can access the road but must give way to cyclists.

While the work is ongoing, access remains in place for residents and the GCP has apologised for any inconvenience.

Major highways firm M Group, whose pothole repair work in Cambridgeshire has been described as "ridiculous" and "unbelievable", recently renewed a deal with the county council.

A spokesperson for M Group said: 'We're supporting the Greater Cambridge Partnership and carrying out the work as agreed at no cost to the taxpayer.

"We're sorry for any disruption caused to local residents and businesses and are working to keep this to an absolute minimum."

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