Councils given permission to build new road to bypass Huntingdon ring road

A RELIEF road to reduce traffic pressure in Huntingdon has been given the go ahead by the Government.

The new road will link George Street, opposite the train station, to Ermine Street as part of a redevelopment of the west of the town centre to reduce the number of cars using the ring road as part of a Huntingdonshire District Council scheme.

Justine Greening, Secretary of State for Transport, has given Cambridgeshire County Council permission to buy the land between the two roads following a public inquiry. The two councils will work together to finalise plans to start construction.

The land will also be used for the proposed Sainsbury’s supermarket store, housing, and improvements to the town centre around Chequers Court.

Malcolm Sharp, managing director for communities, partnerships and projects at HDC, said: “This is really good news for the district, as it is a major step in reducing traffic on the inner ringroad and in delivering the regeneration of the town centre and the West of Huntingdon.

“It is the result of three years of excellent partnership working between the two councils. We will be working hard together to complete the scheme to help the town prosper in these difficult economic times.”