Multi-million pound project improving road link between Bedford and Milton Keynes complete

Works are complete on the project to upgrade a key section of the A421 road into a dual carriageway, which means that drivers can now enjoy a faster and easier route around Central Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes.

The project was in partnership with Milton Keynes Council and the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP).

The 3km of the road has been upgraded to better link Junction 13 of the M1 motorway in Central Bedfordshire with Milton Keynes.

The stretch runs from the roundabouts by the junction up to the new Eagles Rest housing development and the Altitude Magna Park logistics and distribution site in Milton Keynes.

The A421 forms a key section of the strategic east-west travel corridor and helps underpin the future of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, a project spokesman said.

The spokesperson said that enhancing east-west connectivity will help to create opportunities for the wider area to become the UK’s innovation region, delivering growth in science and technology.

As well as easing congestion, the upgraded A421 will help improve access to planned developments in Central Bedfordshire, such as the 5,000 homes proposed in new villages in the Marston Vale area, as well as 40 hectares of employment land, the spokesman said.

Previously there were no safe routes for pedestrians beside the A421, so a new cycleway has been built which stretches along the length of the newly dualled A421 and a footbridge over it.

The spokesman said the new cycleway is part of a future larger cycle network. The new footbridge, which includes a bridleway, will greatly improve facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders, who will benefit from being able to use our improved public rights of way.

The South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership contributed £23.5million from the local growth fund towards this £29.5million project, which was authorised by the Department for Transport, and both Central Bedford and MK councils each contributed around £3million.