Safer sustainable travel is being delivered on the Guided Busway, councillors on Cambridgeshire County Council’s Highways and Transport Committee will hear when it meets next week (Tuesday 30 June).
Significant progress has been made to deliver essential safety improvements along the length of the Busway over the last year, with installation of safety fencing to the southern part of the Busway almost complete.
To the north of the city, works are taking place between Cambridge Regional College and Milton Road. After this section has been completed, contractors will continue the installation of separation fencing between Milton Road and Cambridge North station. Procurement for works along the route from Histon to St Ives is expected in summer 2026, with construction due from late summer.
The Guided Busway, which runs between St Ives and Cambridge, is an important part of Cambridgeshire’s transport network linking people with major employment hubs, healthcare facilities and education providers. The adjacent path is a well-used active travel route popular with walkers, wheelers, cyclists and horse riders.
On the 30 June, councillors will be asked to endorse the continued delivery of the safety works on the Northern section of the busway, to ensure the continuing use of the innovative transport route and ongoing compliance with health and safety legislation. To ensure these essential safety works are completed as quickly as possible, the £6m cost is being met from Major Infrastructure Reserves.
The programme of safety improvements being delivered, include:
- Installation of separation fencing along the route to create a physical barrier between the path and the Busway
- One new and three upgraded formal crossing points, with £2 million allocated to improve accessibility for all users following the installation of perimeter fencing to stop the use of informal cut-throughs
- Flood mitigation measures to ensure walkers and wheelers can safely use the path during and after periods of heavy rain
- Enhanced signage, lighting and speed controls, including reduced bus speeds and a 15mph limit on the path
Temporary speed limits which mean that buses are currently limited to 30mph will be reviewed as new safety infrastructure is completed. On the northern section, variable speeds of up to 40–50mph may be introduced where appropriate, improving journey times while maintaining safety.
The council has also strengthened busway governance and oversight with regular risk assessments and reports to senior officers. Engagement continues with the Health and Safety Executive.
Councillor Alex Beckett, Chair of the Highways and Transport Committee, said: "The Guided Busway is one of the most important transport routes we have in Cambridgeshire. It connects so many of us to each other and to schools, jobs, hospitals every single day. Keeping it safe is vital.
“I understand and appreciate the concerns that have been raised around the Busway safety works and we would like to thank everyone for their patience with the disruption whilst works are underway.
“I’d like to make clear that these works aren't optional. We're doing everything reasonably practicable to keep the Busway and the path open and safe for everyone who relies on it."
The council continues to engage closely with local communities, user groups and the bus operators on the Busway Safety Improvement Programme. Feedback has already helped shape plans for a new formal crossing to be located next to Histon Community Orchard.
Engagement is anticipated on upgraded crossings in the Northstowe and Over areas later in the year.
