MAJOR SCHEME TO IMPROVE DAME ALICE STREET
A major roadworks scheme to resurface and improve Dame Alice Street starts on Tuesday 10th April and will last for 7 weeks.
A number of serious issues must be addressed immediately in order to guarantee the safety of all road users. These works include a complete replacement of the current signalling equipment, significant improvements to drainage systems, new cycleways as well as resurfacing of the western part of Dame Alice Street and the junction with Harpur Street. In order to minimise disruption, these works will be done during this single period, instead of repeatedly returning to the road.
This means the western two-way section of Dame Alice Street will be closed, 24 hours a day to eastbound traffic (heading towards the High Street and The Broadway). It will remain open to westbound traffic (heading towards Bromham Road and away from the town centre) although lane restrictions may be in place at some times. Eastbound traffic will be diverted along Union Street and Tavistock Street.
It will be necessary to completely close this section of the road in both directions on the weekend of the 19th and 20th May. A second closure may be necessary the following weekend of the 26th and 27th May.
Councillor Charles Royden, Liberal Democrat Portfolio Holder for the Environment and Transport, said: "These are vital works which will significantly improve this important road to ensure it can continue to be used for many years to come.
"The traffic signals on the road are completely out of date and have failed 61 times in the last five years, including nine total failures. Clearly, this is dangerous for all road users and must be urgently addressed. These works will completely replace the signalling equipment, significantly improving the efficiency and safety of the junctions.
"Surveys have also shown the drainage beneath Dame Alice Street is in serious need of repair and if left to deteriorate further it will affect the structure of the road. This work will also improve surface drainage from the road itself and prevent localised flooding. We are already working with Anglian Water to correct these issues as promptly as possible.
"I appreciate local drivers will be inconvenienced during this time but we are carrying out these works together to ensure we do not need to repeatedly return to the street, which would undoubtedly cause further inconvenience for local residents and businesses."
Local residents and businesses have already been informed of the works and the Council will continue to speak to all involved to enable them to minimise the effects of the roadworks.
The works are taking place now to avoid coinciding with future roadworks on Goldington Road, St Peter's Street and the gas mains works planned for Bromham Road. The works have also been scheduled to finish before the Diamond Jubilee celebrations and Anglian Water will also be taking this opportunity to repair a leakage under the carriageway.
Full mapped diversion routes are available on the Council website, www.bedford.gov.uk. The Council will continue to update residents and businesses on the progress of the works via their website and the Council Twitter account, @bedfordtweets.