A decision to provide the funding is currently ‘under review’

There are fears that funding for work on a major Cambridgeshire A-road may be “withdrawn”. The Government is yet to decide if funding will be provided to improve a stretch of the A10 between Ely and Cambridge.

Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, claims the funding has been “withdrawn”, as the scheme hasn’t been included on the Government’s Major Road Network and Large Local Majors programme for 2026, which was released last week.

However, the Department for Transport (DFT) said this is “incorrect” and the scheme is “under review”. Mayor Bristow said: “Our work clearly shows that improving the A10 between Ely and Cambridge is one of the most simplest and most cost effective ways to support economic growth, new homes, cut congestion and keep this region moving.

“So the decision to withdraw the A10 improvement from the government’s Major Road Network programme, without even a conversation, is baffling.” Mayor Bristow said he contacted the Government to discuss the project, but claims he didn’t get a reply.

He added: “Instead, we were told the scheme had been withdrawn. That isn’t partnership, and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough deserve better than decisions made behind a closed door.

“This is a Government that plays fast and loose with the truth. The road already carries more traffic than it was built for, with long queues behind HGVs and agricultural vehicles and almost no safe alternative for people walking or cycling. With 11,000 homes planned at Waterbeach and major growth planned, failing to upgrade the A10 will put pressure on other roads like the A142 and B1049.”

On Friday (March 27), the Mayor wrote to the Secretary of State for Transport to seek clarification on the A10 in relation to the Major Road Network programmes. A DFT spokesperson said it has been in touch with Mayor Bristow. They said: “We have written to the Mayor to confirm that the A10 from Ely to Cambridge scheme remains under review, and we will share further details in due course.

“For too long this country has failed to tackle and fix our ageing infrastructure, but our new road investment strategy will invest £2.2 billion to secure the future of our road network in the East of England for years to come.”

In 2025, a list of 41 schemes that were under review for the Major Road Network programme were listed, including the A10 scheme. The A10 didn’t feature on the 2026 list.

However, according tothe DFT, the 2026 list only includes schemes which have been confirmed to receive funding. A further announcement on funding for other schemes, including the A10, is expected to be announced in early summer.