Work to Begin on Final Phase of Bedford Western Bypass

- Breheny Civil Engineering appointed to commence £18.6million project

- Construction to begin in weeks after decades of waiting for a complete Western Bypass for Bedford

- Council has overcome extraordinary obstacles to secure delivery of road

The construction of the crucial final phase of the Bedford Western Bypass is due to begin within weeks after a Mayoral Decision authorised the appointment of the contractor to carry out the works. Breheny Civil Engineering won the tender process after scoring highest for both quality and price.

A completed Western Bypass has featured in national and local plans and strategies for more than 50 years. The project to construct the long-awaited crucial final section was propelled forward following the Council decision to issue Compulsory Purchase Orders to acquire the land needed for the road, alongside work to seek the land and rights required by agreement. The Council was successful in reaching agreement with all the principal landowners and interested parties, and the orders were confirmed.

The success of this work enabled a tender process for the contract to construct the road to go ahead, culminating in the Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, signing the decision to authorise the appointment of Breheny Civil Engineering to carry out the works.

Mayor Dave Hodgson 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."

The final phase of the Western Bypass will link the A4280 at Bromham Road with the A6 at Clapham. The first phase of the bypass, the Branston Way, links the A421 to the south west of Bedford and Kempston with the A4280 at Bromham Road.

Overcoming the obstacles blocking the building of the road has been a top Council priority. The Council has procured the £18.6million scheme thanks to the successful gathering of external funding as part of a mix of resources, combined with the use of its available powers to secure the use of the land.

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