Support for Ampthill Road Decongestion Scheme as Bid Heads for Government

A Council plan for the decongestion of the Ampthill Road Corridor in and out of Bedford has won the backing of the South East Midlands local enterprise partnership (SEMLEP). The £5.1 million scheme will now go forward to government amongst SEMLEP'S chosen projects under its bid for government funding for transport improvements.

The Ampthill Road corridor is one of the busiest routes into Bedford, serving businesses and residential areas as well as the Interchange Retail Park. In addition it links the town with the A421 and provides the route to and from the town's main Park and Ride facility, as well as access to Bedford Hospital.

The purpose of the £5.1 million Southern Gateway Project is to improve journey time and reliability on this key corridor into and out of Bedford, between the A6/A421 junction and Prebend Street. Improvement measures proposed include enhanced signals and junctions which can respond better to heavy traffic; information systems that report on current traffic conditions; improved capacity for vehicles at key junctions along the route; as well as improved access and traffic management at the Interchange Retail Park.

Mayor Dave Hodgson commented: "Local residents and businesses and anyone who uses this route knows how congested it can become, so we're pleased to win the backing of SEMLEP for its inclusion in its bid to government.'

"The measures planned under this crucial scheme will be designed to make a real difference to road users. We want to get Ampthill Road moving at all times of day, for everyone's benefit. The scheme is part of a strong SEMLEP bid, and now we have to hope that the government delivers the support required for delivery."

Following Bedford Borough Council's successful application a bid will be made to the government by SEMLEP in autumn 2016 for a share of an allocated £1.8 billion in government funding.

Full details on the SEMLEP bid to government should be available in August 2016, with successful projects being notified in early 2017.