March’s Broad Street Improvements Shortlisted For National Transport Award

March’s Broad Street Improvements Shortlisted For National Transport Award

A collaborative project to improve transport in the market town of March has been shortlisted for ‘Exemplary Approach to Active Travel & Public Space’ at the National Transport Awards 2025.

The Broad Street Road Transformation Project was delivered through partnership working with Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, Fenland District Council and Cambridgeshire County Council. The Combined Authority supported the scheme with £4.2 million through the March Area Transport Study (MATS), while Fenland District Council contributed £3.6 million from the Future High Streets Fund (FHSF).

This funding supported major improvements to Broad Street in March, including enhanced bus priority, new walking and cycling infrastructure and key junction upgrades. Since its reopening in November 2024, the upgrades have significantly improved safety, accessibility and public space in the town centre, while supporting economic growth and enhancing the area’s heritage character. It has also made active and public travel more attractive and viable in a market town where car dependency had long been the norm.

The National Transport Awards celebrates outstanding projects, people and innovation across the transport sector in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

The Broad Street Road Transformation Project has been shortlisted for ‘Exemplary approach to Active Travel & Public Space’. This category recognises policies and projects that have significantly improved public space and the street environment, enhancing both the look and feel of an area while making it safer, healthier and more appealing for people to walk, cycle, and spend time there.

Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said:

‘Projects like this show the positive impact of working together across our region. My ambition is for people in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to be healthier, wealthier and happier – and improving the quality and safety of our streets is a meaningful step in that direction. This recognition is a well-earned celebration of the hard work that went into the upgrades on Broad Street.’

Cllr Chris Seaton, lead member of the March Future High Streets steering group, said:

“It’s really gratifying to see this project getting recognition again following being highly commended for a national Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation Creating Better Places Award.

“We’re grateful to March’s businesses, residents and visitors for the patience they showed throughout the works and we’re delighted to have created such a wonderful town centre that is fit for the future.”

Cllr Alex Beckett, chair of the Highways and Transport Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council said:

“It is great that our capital projects are receiving national recognition against tough competition. The Broad Street transformation was a vital project to create a more pedestrian-friendly and social environment while improving traffic flow and reducing congestion. There were changes to the road layout, public realm improvements, and upgrades to utilities. The teams who worked on the project were passionate about creating significant benefits for the community of March and a positive legacy for the future. To receive national recognition is a real achievement for those involved and thoroughly deserved. Fingers crossed for October!”

Winners will be announced at the 22^nd annual National Transport Awards ceremony on 2nd October 2025.