What is happening?

We are proposing to construct a two-lane dual carriageway running east from the A5 north of Dunstable to join the M1 at a new Junction 11a south of Chalton. Land will be required to construct the road and allow for environmental features including water drainage, earth mounds or barriers to reduce noise and landscaping.

When and where is this happening?

The A5 provides a route from Milton Keynes to the M1 at Junction 9, passing through the built-up area of Dunstable. The A5 to M1 Link was originally due to go to Public Inquiry (PI) in June 2010 but this was postponed due to the Comprehensive Spending Review.

The Spending Review announcement in October 2010 listed the A5 to M1 Link (Dunstable Northern Bypass) scheme for potential construction in future spending review periods. However, following this announcement and in response to representations from a local council and developer offering a contribution to the scheme, the Secretary of State in 2011, subsequently agreed that, subject to an appropriate agreement being in place in regard to the contribution, the Public Inquiry would be re-started as soon as possible with a potential start of works in financial year 2014/15. The Public Inquiry completed in March 2012.

The 2012 Autumn Statement confirmed the provision of additional capital expenditure in this Spending Review period to enable this scheme to start construction in 2014/15 – subject to any statutory processes being successfully completed and subject to the scheme continuing to offer value for money.

For more information visit our Current Spending Review page.

Decision Letter and Inspectors Report
On the 18th October 2012, The Department for Transport published the Secretary of State's interim decision letter on Highways Orders following the Public Inquiry along with the Inspectors Report. Both documents can be found on the following link - http://​www​.dft​.gov​.uk/​p​u​b​l​i​c​a​t​i​o​n​s​/​a​5​m​1​-​l​i​n​k​-​d​u​n​s​t​a​b​l​e​-​n​o​r​t​h​e​r​n​-​b​y​p​a​ss/

Why is this happening and what will it cost?

This section of the route often experiences traffic congestion. Other local routes also carry significant amounts of traffic, including the A5120 passing through Houghton Regis and Toddington to Junction 12, and the A505 linking Dunstable and Luton town centres via Junction 11.

The estimated cost of this scheme is in the range of £134million and £189million of which, £50million will be a contribution from local and private sector partners. The delivery of the scheme remains dependent on these contributions.

How will the scheme be carried out?

Details of how the scheme will be carried out will be given here if the scheme receives approval to proceed to the construction phase.

What are the benefits?

The scheme aims to reduce journey times and improve journey time reliability for long distance traffic currently travelling through Dunstable. This traffic will be able to use the M1 motorway as an alternative route. In addition, the new route will aim to reduce traffic travelling to Junctions11 and 12 from the local road network in Dunstable, Houghton Regis and surrounding areas.

How do I find out more information ?

More information will be posted on this project page as it becomes available. You can subscribe to be alerted when updates are made.

If you have any queries about this project you should contact the Highways Agency Information Line by emailing ha_​info@​highways.​gsi.​gov.​uk or calling 0300 123 5000.