Sinkhole Forces Cambridge Road Closure, Sparking Fresh Debate Over ‘Magic Roundabout’

Road Closure and Sinkhole Raise Concerns in Cambridge

A section of a controversial “magic roundabout” in Cambridge has been closed after a sinkhole suddenly appeared, causing disruption to the main route into the city center. The closure affected both directions of traffic between Mitchams Corner and the Elizabeth Way roundabout on Monday afternoon.

Local police were deployed to Milton Road around 3 p.m. to manage the traffic flow. Highway teams are currently investigating the cause of the sinkhole, which could be attributed to factors such as sewer collapses or prolonged dry spells that dissolve soluble bedrock.

City Councillor Delowar Hossain raised concerns about the quality of road works following the incident. He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation of the entire road to ensure safety and prevent future accidents.

Elisa Meschini, a councillor and former chair of the Greater Cambridge Partnership, questioned whether the sinkhole could have been caused by works conducted by Anglian Water. She stated, “If Anglian Water have caused this, the taxpayer should not foot the bill.” However, according to The Times, Anglian Water confirmed it had attended the site but did not believe its works were connected to the incident.

Cambridge City Council stated that the road would be repaired as quickly as possible and reopened when it is safe to do so. The incident has reignited discussions about the CYCLOPS (Cycling Optimised Protected Signals) junction, which first opened in October 2024.

The CYCLOPS junction is part of a £24 million overhaul by the Greater Cambridge Partnership aimed at improving walking, cycling, and public transport routes. The new junction features a protected cycle lane that encircles the junction, keeping cyclists separate from motor traffic and pedestrians. Cyclists can make signal-free left turns or use dedicated cycle buttons to access the green phase of traffic signals, allowing them to make right turns or travel straight without mixing with vehicles.

Pedestrians cross at the same time as cyclists but on a separate ring of paths in the middle of the junction. Zebra crossings on each side provide a safe place to cross the cycle lane. Despite these features, residents have expressed frustration over the large number of traffic lights, which they claim worsen existing traffic jams.

Just days after the new junction opened, locals took to online forums to voice their dissatisfaction. One person on Reddit wrote, “Originally I thought the lights would be only for pedestrians when they want to cross but no, these lights are on all the time!” They added, “I travelled through there twice in off-peak hours and each time there was a long queue of cars standing on idle because the red light is there for an incredible long time while there is zero traffic on the roundabout itself.”

Residents also questioned the purpose of the traffic lights, asking, “Don’t traffic lights defeat the purpose of a roundabout?” This sentiment echoes previous concerns about the CYCLOPS junctions, with the council releasing a YouTube video tutorial to help drivers navigate another junction after difficulties arose five years ago.

The junction where Histon Road meets Gilbert Road includes four zebra crossings, four pedestrian islands, and eight sets of traffic lights. The city’s Conservative group has criticized the Cyclops format, claiming it causes chaos for cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers alike and potentially leads to “extra confusion.”

They also pointed to an increase in collisions, citing data showing six “slight injury” crashes in the three years since 2021 compared to one serious injury and four slight injuries between 2016 and 2019.

Greater Manchester was the first UK region to implement Cyclops junctions, with the initial one opening in Hulme in July 2020, followed by another in Bolton in January 2021. Other locations such as Bury, Preston, St Helens, Trafford, and Bradford have also adopted the design, with more being built in Rochdale and Salford, as well as proposals in Hull and Windsor.

Cambridge City Council reiterated on Tuesday that Milton Road remained closed between Hurst Park Avenue and the Elizabeth Way roundabout in both directions. They stated that highways staff were on site to investigate the sinkhole, noting that the hole extends some way under the surrounding asphalt. Due to the number of utilities under the road in this area, the council cannot simply fill in the hole.

“We are working with partner agencies to get the road repaired appropriately as quickly as possible,” the council said. “We’re sorry for the disruption caused by the road closure and urge people to plan their journeys and allow extra time to travel. We will reopen the road as soon as it is safe to do so.”