Highways Agency

The Project

The existing A421 between the M1 and Bedford Southern Bypass is largely single carriageway with a short length of dual carriageway at Marston Moretaine. More than 25,000 vehicles per day travel this route leading to considerable congestion, particularly during peak hours. The high traffic flow results in unreliable journey times, a poor accident record and a reduction in the quality of life for local residents. There are few overtaking opportunities, leading to drivers taking risks in overtaking.

About the Scheme

The scheme comprises 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 will be dual 2 lane, constructed essentially away from the existing A421, although the 1.2km section from Marsh Leys to the A6 will be dual 3 lane and on the original line.

New two level junctions will be provided at Marston Moretaine and at Marsh Leys. In the case of Marsh Leys, the circulatory carriageway has already been constructed as part of the Bedford Western Bypass Scheme. 

M1 Junction 13 will be redesigned, with a new bridge carrying the new A421 across the M1, whilst the scheme will also use the existing bridge to the south east for local traffic movements and connection to the Ridgmont Bypass.

A6 Improvements

A late addition to the scheme resulting from the Public Inquiry is the improvement of part of the A6 between the A421/A6 junction and Elstow Road. This improvement will provide a new route for traffic using the Interchange Retail Park following the closure of an existing roundabout on the A421.

The A6 improvements have been jointly agreed with Bedfordshire County Council, who are the highway authority for the A6, and will include the remodelling and signalisation of three existing roundabout junctions: Progress Park (Park and Ride), Cowbridge and Elstow Road.

At Cowbridge Junction the arrangement will cater for the high traffic movements between the A6 and B530/A5134 and vice versa. The A6 will be two lanes in each direction between the A421/A6 Interchange and Cowbridge Junction and between Cowbridge Junction and Elstow Junction. All the approaches to the Cowbridge Junction and Progress Park Junction will be improved.

The scheme involves extensive tree and shrub planting and landscaping. Drainage will be 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.

The latest information about the scheme can be found on the Scheme Progress page.