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The Project Control Framework
This framework sets out how we, together with the Department for Transport, manage and deliver major road improvement projects.
A421 Bedford to M1 Junction 13
A421 Bedford to M1 Junction 13
- Status
- Current
- Located in
- Area 8
- Scheme type
- Programme of Major Schemes
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New A421 open to traffic
The new A421 dual carriageway between the M1 and Bedford is now open to traffic. The road opened on Wednesday 1 December 2010, a month ahead of schedule.
The original A421, to be renamed the C94, will remain open for local traffic between Marsh Leys and the M1, and has become the responsibility of the local highway authorities; Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire Councils. Now the new bypass has opened, the Highways Agency will carry out some minor work on the original A421 (C94). This work will continue until the end of Autumn 2011 and is expected to have minimal impact on local traffic.
What happens now?
There will be some ongoing works which include minor works to the existing A421 (C94) and removal of the compound in Hoo Lane. This work will continue until the end of Autumn 2011 and is expected to have minimal impact on local traffic. The work will be managed under localised temporary traffic lights.
About the scheme
The scheme comprises of 8 miles (13km) of new dual 2 and 3 lane carriageways between Junction 13 on the M1 and the south side of Bedford (the Bedford Southern Bypass). Most of the new road is dual 2 lane, constructed essentially away from the old A421, although the 0.7 mile (1.2km) section from Marsh Leys to the A6 is dual 3 lane and on the original line.
New two level junctions have been provided at Marston Moretaine and at Marsh Leys. In the case of Marsh Leys, the circulatory carriageway was already constructed as part of the Bedford Western Bypass Scheme.
M1 Junction 13 has been redesigned, with a new bridge carrying the new A421 across the M1, whilst the scheme also uses the existing bridge to the south east for local traffic movements and connection to the Ridgmont Bypass.
The scheme involved extensive tree and shrub planting and landscaping. Drainage is via new balancing ponds prior to discharge into existing watercourses.
The contract for the scheme was awarded to Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering Ltd on 4 November 2005. Scheme construction began in October 2008 and was completed in December 2010. The range cost estimate for the scheme was £201 to £231 million.
