A temporary footpath in Peterborough, part of the extensive £65 million Station Quarter redevelopment, is causing significant concern among pedestrians who describe it as both 'dangerous and confusing'. The diversion, located around the busy Queensgate roundabout, has become notably congested since the closure of the roundabout's underpasses and another vital footpath leading to the railway station on 6 July.
Katie Thorington, a local resident who relies on the route for her commute, highlighted the daily challenges, stating that the congestion frequently 'forces pedestrians into the road'. Thorington, who has epilepsy and cannot drive, expressed her worry that the situation is an 'accident waiting to happen', particularly given the mix of pedestrians, cyclists, mopeds, and e-scooters on the narrow path. She also pointed out a blind corner near the roundabout which further exacerbates the safety risks by limiting visibility of approaching traffic.
The closures are integral to the initial phase of the Station Quarter scheme, which aims to establish a more pedestrian-friendly link between Peterborough railway station and the city centre. This new walkway, dubbed the City Link project, is intended to be a 'welcoming and safer' addition upon its completion in May 2027. However, Thorington and other users question whether sufficient consideration has been given to pedestrian safety and accessibility during the construction phase, specifically mentioning wheelchair users and individuals with pushchairs.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the clarity and timeliness of signage. Thorington noted that it took six days for what she deemed appropriate signage to be installed, leading to confusion for those unfamiliar with the area. She recounted instances of people asking her for directions to the station, having been disoriented by the closed main pedestrian route. Other users echoed these sentiments, describing the path as 'crowded' and 'awful'. Peterborough City Council confirmed it has installed new signs along Crescent Bridge and Bourges Boulevard to direct people to the station, replacing previous signs that only indicated roadworks ahead.
The ongoing works involve filling two underpasses beneath the Queensgate roundabout with approximately 1,000 tonnes of concrete. These will eventually be replaced by a street-level crossing, improving access between the station and Cowgate in the city centre. While construction proceeds, the Queensgate roundabout, one of Peterborough's busiest junctions, has been reduced to a single lane. Pedestrians approaching from Crescent Bridge are now directed to use the Midland Road crossing, follow a path towards the station's car park on Bourges Boulevard, and then utilise crossings to reach Priestgate or Cowgate.