Bus service ‘disappointed’ by ‘significant delays’ at busy Bedford junction
A bus operator is warning its customers to prepare for significant delays due to roadworks in Bedford.
Grant Palmer says its buses have experienced delays of more than 20 minutes, with queues of traffic at times stretching along Greyfriars towards Bedford College.
Temporary traffic lights are operating 24 hours a day due to the depth of the works.
The works, which began yesterday (Monday) and are due to be completed by Sunday (September 27), are part of a £2.3million project to reconfigure the Greyfriars junction to make room for development at the former police station site. Bedford Borough Council says enhancements to pedestrian and cycling infrastructure also aims to encourage more active travel.
The council said the works are taking place overnight to minimise disruption wherever possible.
But a spokesman for Grant Palmer described queues of traffic at times stretch along Greyfriars towards Bedford College and said the congestion is affecting buses entering and leaving Bedford Bus Station.
Thomas Manship, commercial manager, said: “We are disappointed by the level of delay and disruption the works on Greyfriars are causing for our customers. Our buses are getting caught in the same congestion as other traffic and we are seeing delays of more than 20 minutes on some journeys.
“We apologise to customers whose journeys are being affected and would encourage everyone travelling to or from Bedford to allow additional time throughout this week.”
Customers are advised to use the free Grant Palmer smartphone app to track buses live and check progress before travelling to their stop. Details of traffic disruption and any bus cancellations will also be published on its website.
Customers without smartphones or internet access can call the service on 01525 719 719.
A spokesperson for Bedford Borough Council said: “We have kept our transport partners up to date with information about the planned works, and appreciate both their patience and that of passengers. The works and impact to traffic are being closely monitored on site so any adjustments can be made as appropriate.
“Grant Palmer has been asked to keep us up to date with the impact on bus services in Bedford borough.”