The long-running repair works on the Ralph Butcher Causeway at King’s Dyke, Whittlesey, have stretched across nearly a year, with a programme of soil nailing and embankment stabilisation still under way. Cambridgeshire County Council has provided regular updates since first announcing emergency measures in October 2024.
The Causeway, part of the busy A605 route between Whittlesey and Peterborough, developed significant cracks and subsidence, leading to traffic disruption and a protracted series of remedial works led by contractor Jones Bros.
The £32m bridge opened three years ago with the expectation it would overcome delays caused by a level crossing which it replaced.
But the bridge – which connects Whittlesey to Peterborough over the main Peterborough to Ely rail line – has been reduced to single lane since June 2024 and controlled by traffic lights.
Below is a timeline of key events provided by Cambridgeshire County Council.
Timeline of Repairs
10 October 2024 – Initial announcement
The council confirmed three emergency closures in Whittlesey, including the westbound carriageway of the Ralph Butcher Causeway. One lane was shut after cracks were identified, with two-way lights controlling traffic. Investigations were launched into the cause of the movement and settlement.
17–25 October 2024 – Safety concerns escalate
Residents pressed for the lane closure to be lifted, but the council said it had to remain for safety while intrusive testing was carried out. Meanwhile, works began on nearby East Delph and Benwick Road, both also affected by erosion and subsidence.
11 November – Early repairs elsewhere
The B1040 at East Delph was reopened following emergency structural repairs, but the Causeway remained under single-lane control while further investigations continued.
18 December 2024 – Investigations conclude
Investigative works at the Causeway were completed, with samples being analysed to inform a design solution. At the same time, major works began at Benwick Road, requiring a full closure until early 2025.
31 January 2025 – Options under review
Jones Bros completed testing and presented design options. The council signalled remedial works could start in May and finish in September, subject to approvals.
28 March – Delay to Causeway repairs
While Benwick Road reopened following reconstruction, the Causeway lane closure continued. Officials still hoped remedial works could begin in May, with September completion.
19 May – Start date pushed back
Jones Bros reported that the start of works would be delayed. Additional modelling and design work extended the approval process, frustrating residents and commuters.
18 June – Design approved
The council announced works would start on 7 July and last until December. The programme involved inserting soil nails—steel tendons drilled into the embankment to stabilise the road—alongside a concrete surface. The costs would be covered by Jones Bros, with the council withholding formal ownership of the bridge until repairs were complete.
2 July – Preparations confirmed
Ahead of the July start, Jones Bros began setting up compounds and preparing test nails. The council warned that activity might not be visible to passing drivers, as much of the work would take place at the base of the embankment.
7 July – Construction begins
Remedial works officially started, continuing under the existing single-lane closure.
16 July – Early site activity
Vegetation clearance and test nails were completed. Crews marked out the precise drilling points for permanent soil nails.
31 July – Soil nails installed
The first 43 soil nails were driven into the embankment, while cracks in the carriageway continued to be monitored.
13 August – Acceleration of works
Two rigs were deployed, and more than 170 soil nails were installed.
28 August – Progress update
By the end of August, 297 soil nails had been installed, stretching 4,200 metres in length.
10 September 2025 – Latest status
The soil nailing phase remains ongoing, with more than 400 nails now installed. Two rigs continue working to stabilise the embankment.
Outlook
The 22-week programme was originally due to conclude by December 2025, with a further three-month settlement period before resurfacing. Once complete, the Causeway is expected to fully reopen to two-way traffic, bringing an end to one of the most significant road repair projects in the Whittlesey area in recent years.
For now, the single-lane closure and traffic lights remain in place, while Jones Bros push ahead with the complex stabilisation programme.
