Roadworks and rain cause driver delays

Heavy rain and floods have caused long delays for motorists travelling between Peterborough and Whittlesey - and for roadworks planned to start.

The North Bank and the B1040, which link the town and the city, have both been closed for much of the week due to flooded roads.

Because flood warning are still in place, North Bank road is likely to remain shut for a number of days to come - despite residents reporting flood waters have dropped.

A Cambridgeshire County Council spokesman said: “The water levels on the River Nene are still high in response to the recent rainfall. This, coupled with high tides, prevents the River Nene discharging into the sea, resulting in tide lock conditions.

“This in effect causes localised flooding of North Bank Road.”

The problems were made worse as roadworks started on the A605 at King’s Dyke on Monday.

The five day preparation work is part of the design phase for the Kings Dyke level crossing closure project

The works were actually started by Cambridgeshire County Council on Monday morning despite a pledge not to begin when North Bank is closed.

Some motorists reported journeys between Whittlesey and Stanground took up to 90 minutes while work was taking place.

After a series of complaints, the council withdrew the works, and will restart them when North Bank is reopened. It was also confirmed when the roadworks do restart, they will take place overnight to minimise disruption.

The works are scheduled to find locations and depths of pipes and cables before construction work begins on the site.

The B1040 was able to reopen on Tuesday afternoon.

The B1040 was closed due to floods. Pic: Terry Harris