Key Points
- Cambridgeshire County Council has confirmed the reopening date for the King’s Dyke crossing at Whittlesey as February 28, 2026.
- The £32 million bridge, carrying the A605 road over the Peterborough to Cambridge railway line, was partially closed for over 18 months due to cracks in the westbound carriageway.
- The bridge opened in 2022 following years of campaigning to replace the old level crossing and ease traffic congestion.
- Repairs are ongoing, with work focused on the final layer of sprayed concrete on the top of the embankment to allow traffic management removal by the planned date.
- Contractors Jones Bros, who built the bridge, will continue remedial work lower down the embankment after reopening.
- A period of settlement will follow before full resurfacing later in 2026.
- Commuters have faced significant congestion and delays for nearly two years due to the partial closure.
Cambridge (Cambridge Tribune) February 21, 2026 -Cambridgeshire County Council has confirmed that the King’s Dyke crossing at Whittlesey is set to reopen on February 28, more than 18 months after it was partially closed due to cracks appearing in the westbound carriageway. The £32 million bridge, which carries the A605 road over the Peterborough to Cambridge railway line, opened in 2022 after years of campaigning to help ease traffic congestion at the old level crossing. In an update on the progress of the essential repairs, Cambridgeshire County Council stated: “Work continues on the final layer of sprayed concrete, focused on the top of the embankment to allow traffic management to be removed as planned on February 28.”
What Caused the Closure of King’s Dyke Crossing?
The King’s Dyke crossing was partially closed due to structural cracks that emerged in the westbound carriageway, prompting immediate safety measures by Cambridgeshire County Council. As detailed in the council’s official update, the issue necessitated extensive repairs to ensure the bridge’s long-term integrity. The partial closure, which began over 18 months ago, severely impacted local traffic flow on the vital A605 route linking Peterborough and Cambridge.
This development follows the bridge’s opening in 2022, a milestone achieved after prolonged local campaigning against the inefficiencies of the previous level crossing. The new structure was designed specifically to alleviate chronic congestion, making the cracks an unexpected setback for commuters and businesses reliant on the route.
When Will King’s Dyke Crossing Fully Reopen?
Cambridgeshire County Council has firmly set February 28, 2026, as the reopening date for the King’s Dyke crossing, allowing traffic management to be lifted as planned. The council’s statement emphasises that current efforts are concentrated on completing the final layer of sprayed concrete at the top of the embankment. “Once the road is reopened, Jones Bros (the contractors who built the bridge) will continue working lower down the embankment to complete the remaining remedial work,” the council confirmed.
Following the initial reopening, a period of settlement will occur before the road undergoes full resurfacing later this year. This phased approach ensures safety while minimising further disruption. Local drivers can anticipate a return to normal traffic conditions by the end of February, marking the end of nearly two years of inconvenience.
Who Are the Contractors Involved in the Repairs?
Jones Bros, the original constructors of the £32 million bridge, have been tasked with carrying out the remedial works post-reopening. According to Cambridgeshire County Council’s update, Jones Bros will focus on lower embankment areas after February 28, once traffic management is removed. This continuity in contractor involvement leverages their expertise from the initial build completed in 2022.
The council highlighted the contractors’ role in the ongoing repairs, underscoring their commitment to restoring full functionality. Jones Bros’ work is critical to the settlement phase and subsequent resurfacing, ensuring the A605 bridge meets safety standards over the Peterborough to Cambridge railway line.
Why Was the King’s Dyke Bridge Built in the First Place?
The £32 million King’s Dyke bridge was constructed to replace an outdated level crossing that had long plagued the A605 with severe traffic congestion. Opened in 2022 after years of determined campaigning by local residents and councillors, the bridge aimed to provide a reliable overpass for the Peterborough to Cambridge railway line. This infrastructure upgrade was seen as essential for improving connectivity in Whittlesey and surrounding Cambridgeshire areas.
The partial closure due to cracks has tested the bridge’s early resilience, but the planned reopening on February 28 signals a swift resolution. Cambridgeshire County Council noted that the structure’s design addressed longstanding bottlenecks, benefiting commuters who previously endured lengthy delays at the old crossing.
What Impact Has the Closure Had on Commuters?
Commuters have endured significant congestion and delays for nearly two years due to the partial closure of the King’s Dyke crossing. The A605, a key artery between Peterborough and Cambridge, saw disrupted flow as traffic management measures were imposed following the discovery of cracks in the westbound carriageway. Residents and businesses in Whittlesey have voiced frustration over the prolonged inconvenience.
The reopening on February 28 will be welcome news, restoring normal access and easing pressure on alternative routes. Cambridgeshire County Council’s update anticipates a smooth transition, with Jones Bros’ continued work designed to avoid further extended disruptions during the settlement and resurfacing phases.
What Remains to Be Done After the February 28 Reopening?
Post-reopening on February 28, a structured sequence of works will ensure the bridge’s complete restoration. Cambridgeshire County Council specified that a “period of settlement” will follow immediately, allowing the embankment to stabilise after the sprayed concrete application. Full road resurfacing is scheduled for later in 2026, completing the remedial efforts.
Jones Bros will handle these remaining tasks lower down the embankment, maintaining momentum without impeding traffic flow. This approach balances urgency with thoroughness, as confirmed in the council’s progress update, preventing recurrence of the cracks that prompted the 18-month closure.
How Has Cambridgeshire County Council Managed the Repair Process?
Cambridgeshire County Council has overseen the repairs with a focus on safety and efficiency, providing regular updates to stakeholders. Their latest statement details the final stages: “Work continues on the final layer of sprayed concrete, focused on the top of the embankment to allow traffic management to be removed as planned on February 28.” The council has coordinated closely with Jones Bros to align the reopening with commuter needs.
This management reflects lessons from the bridge’s rapid construction post-2022 opening, prioritising minimal disruption. By confirming the date publicly, the council addresses community concerns over the 18-month closure’s toll on the A605.
What Does This Mean for Traffic on the A605 Route?
The confirmed reopening on February 28 promises significant relief for A605 traffic between Peterborough and Cambridge. Drivers have faced persistent delays since the partial closure over 18 months ago, exacerbated by the westbound carriageway cracks. With traffic management set for removal, normal volumes can resume, benefiting Whittlesey commuters and freight operators.
Cambridgeshire County Council’s phased plan settlement followed by resurfacing ensures sustained improvements from the 2022 bridge upgrade. This development reinforces the infrastructure’s role in easing the congestion that once defined the old level crossing.
The phased reopening of the King’s Dyke crossing represents a pivotal moment for Cambridgeshire’s transport network, restoring a critical link after prolonged challenges. As Jones Bros progresses with final works, local authorities anticipate smoother journeys ahead, validating the £32 million investment.
