Bedford Western Bypass: Contractor Appointed to Commence Construction Within Weeks

Mayor Dave Hodgson has signed the decision to authorise the appointment of the contractor to construct the crucial final phase of the Bedford Western Bypass, meaning work will start on site within weeks. Breheny Civil Engineering have been appointed to carry out the £18.6million project to complete a route which has featured in local and national plans for over fifty years. Breheny won the tender after scoring highest on both quality and price, in a process launched after a series of obstacles blocking the project were overcome after Mayor Dave Hodgson launched Compulsory Purchase Order proceedings.

The Council was successful in reaching agreement with all the principal landowners and interested parties, and the orders were confirmed. Work will now go ahead on a building the road, which will link the A4280 at Bromham Road with the A6 at Clapham. With the first phase of the bypass, the Branston Way, already in place linking the A4280 at Bromham Road with the dualled A421 at Marsh Leys roundabout to the South West of Bedford and Kempston, for the first time motorists will be able to use a complete north-to-south route without driving through Bedford town itself and unnecessarily adding to congestion.

Commenting, Mayor Dave said: "We are delighted to have overcome the series of obstacles which had blocked this vital project for Bedford. Work will now begin within weeks on a project which will bring new investment and jobs to Bedford Borough, while making it easier for all road users to get around.

"This is excellent news for our road network, for the local economy and for local quality of life, and when work starts on site it will not be a moment too soon. The completed bypass will reduce congestion in and around Bedford and cut journey times, while making this location even more attractive to investors."

Mayor Dave made overcoming the seemingly impossible obstacles blocking the building of the road a top Council priority, and the success of this process was allied with the Council's achievement in winning external funding to build the road as part of a mix of resources.

Construction is expected to take approximately 18 months, with the new road due to be open in spring 2016.