The decision on funding is still being looked at
Mayor Paul Bristow(Image: Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority)
There’s worry that money for upgrading a key A-road in Cambridgeshire might be pulled. The Government hasn’t yet made up its mind about funding improvements on the A10 between Ely and Cambridge.
Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, says the funds have actually been “withdrawn,” since the project wasn’t included in last week’s Major Road Network and Large Local Majors plans for 2026.
But the Department for Transport (DFT) says that’s not right – they say the project is still “under review”. Mayor Bristow said: “Our work clearly shows that improving the A10 between Ely and Cambridge is one of the most simplest and most cost effective ways to support economic growth, new homes, cut congestion and keep this region moving.
“So the decision to withdraw the A10 improvement from the government’s Major Road Network programme, without even a conversation, is baffling.” He added that he tried reaching out to Government officials about it but got no reply.
He went on: “Instead, we were told the scheme had been withdrawn. That isn’t partnership, and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough deserve better than decisions made behind a closed door.
“This is a Government that plays fast and loose with the truth. The road already carries more traffic than it was built for, with long queues behind HGVs and agricultural vehicles and almost no safe alternative for people walking or cycling. With 11,000 homes planned at Waterbeach and major growth planned, failing to upgrade the A10 will put pressure on other roads like the A142 and B1049.”
On Friday (March 27), Mayor Bristow wrote to the Secretary of State for Transport asking for clarity about where this project stands within Major Road Network programmes. The DFT said they’ve reached out back to him. They said: “We have written to the Mayor to confirm that the A10 from Ely to Cambridge scheme remains under review, and we will share further details in due course.
“For too long this country has failed to tackle and fix our ageing infrastructure, but our new road investment strategy will invest £2.2 billion to secure the future of our road network in the East of England for years to come.”
In 2025, there was a list of 41 schemes being reviewed for inclusion in Major Road Network funding – including this A10 one. However, it didn’t appear on next year’s list.
Still according tothe DFT, only projects confirmed for funding are shown on next year’s list. They say more announcements about other projects – including this one – should come early summer.
