Agile use of ‘active travel’ money gives March next steps

Walkers and cyclists in March will benefit from smart footwork by the Combined Authority’s transport committee which this week gave wholehearted backing to using underspend on one stage of a project to move forward the next.

Members of the transport and infrastructure committee noted progress on the March Area Transport Study – MATS - and unanimously approved reallocating an £85k underspend from Full Business Case 1 to help fund Full Business Case 2.

They also agreed to use a planned underspend of £124,913 from the previously approved March Walking and Cycling budget to complete additional activities for walking and cycling in the area.

The walking and cycling budget is currently £507,272 with the project spend of £382,359, leaving a flex of £124,913.

The March Area Transport Study is a regeneration project funded by the Combined Authority as it works to improve life in Fen communities and to support Cambridgeshire’s market towns - boosting opportunity, employment, transport, and making for growth that is sustainable and proportionate to the area.

The MATS schemes are helping to address traffic congestion, improving air quality, safety and infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, and enhancing the local environment.

Mayor of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Dr Nik Johnson said: “It’s great to see investment in March continue. I’m very proud that new projects like the Broad Street, Riverside, and Market Place regeneration schemes, which build out from our recent revamping of the railway station, will ensure the town’s future matches its history and heritage.”

In October 2022, the Combined Authority Board approved March’s Walking and Cycling (Active Travel) Strategy, with the first phase including 7 locations. Phase 2(a) includes 10 locations and Phase 2(b) 11 locations, Most of Phase 1 is complete, Phase 2a is continuing, and Phase 2b has started.

The schemes that will benefit from the reallocated cash is Lambs Drove with an upgrade of the non-motorised route with a look at surfacing and lighting.

Creek Road with a feasibility study and preliminary design for connection of existing footways on either side of the level crossing.

Delivery of wayfinder maps for the station and town centre.

And finally a feasibility study and preliminary design of a new pedestrian crossing on Gaul Road for the recreation ground.