The project to improve safety and cut congestion on the A421 in Bedfordshire will get underway on Tuesday 28 October 2008.
The project involves building a new eight-mile (13 km) stretch of dual carriageway on the northwest (Wootton) side of the existing A421, improvements to Junction 13 of the M1 and new two-level junctions at Marston Moretaine and Marsh Leys.
Work to prepare the way for building the new dual carriageway will begin with major construction work starting in the New Year. Users of the A421 will see the workforce on the ground clearing the site and carrying out archaeological work.
The scheme, which is due to be completed by December 2010, will provide a safer and less congested route between the motorway and Bedford Southern Bypass. The majority of the new road will be built parallel to the existing A421 so the effect on traffic will be kept to a minimum.
Welcoming the start of work, Roads Minister Andrew Adonis said: “The start of work to dual this section of the A421 is good news for drivers and local residents. When it is finished there will be continuous dual carriageway linking the M1 motorway and the A1, reducing congestion, making journey times more reliable and improving road safety.”
Nirmal Kotecha, Director of Major Projects at the Highways Agency, said:
“We are delighted that work has started on this scheme. From now until January work will be offline which means that we can limit any delays and disruption to road users and local residents. The contractors will be clearing the site, installing fencing and carrying out archaeological work. We ask drivers to be patient and to approach this section of the A421 with extra care so that work can be carried out safely, both for them and for our workforce.”
As part of the scheme traffic-light controlled junctions will replace the three roundabouts on the A6 between the A421 and Elstow Road in Bedford to help make journey times more reliable. The existing A421 carriageway will be retained for use by local traffic.
There will be an opportunity to see the scheme proposals at the Marston Moretaine Sports Pavilion, Bedford Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford, MK43 0ND on:
* Friday, 7 November, from 2pm to 8pm and;
* Saturday, 8 November, from 10am to 4pm.
The Highways Agency’s project team will be available to answer any questions.
