Work on A5-M1 link road underway

Work has officially begun on a government road scheme designed to unlock growth and boost the economy while making journeys more reliable in the East of England.

The Highways Agency says the £162.1 million investment in the A5-M1 Link Road Dunstable Northern Bypass will improve the east-west connection between the A5 and M1.

A new 2.8 mile two-lane dual carriageway and three new junctions will be built, improving journeys for long distance traffic currently travelling through Dunstable. This traffic will be able to use the A5-M1 link road as an alternative route to travelling through the town.

Once completed in spring 2017, the project is hoped to relieve congestion and improve safety on the A5.

The A5-M1 Link is part of the government’s long-term economic plan which is seeing £24bn of investment during this parliament and the next.

The Highways Agency will build the new dual carriageway to the north of Dunstable, between the A5 (at Thorn Turn, just north of its existing junction with the A505) and the M1 at a new junction 11A (to the south of the existing Toddington Services).

Three new junctions will be constructed: a roundabout with the A5 at the western end of the link road; a second roundabout will be at the intersection with the A5120 Bedford Road; and a new interchange with the M1 motorway which will be named as junction 11A at the eastern end of the link road.

The scheme also includes an over bridge on Sundon Road, B579 Luton Road and the construction of four bridges passing over the A5-M1 Link.

Central Bedfordshire Council has contributed £5 million towards the cost, with a further £45 million contribution commitment from a developer.

People can register for updates on the scheme’s webpage http://www.highways.gov.uk/roads/road-projects/A5-M1-Link-Dunstable-Northern-Bypass or calling the Highways Agency Customer Contact Centre on 0300 123 5000.