Work to start on A5-M1 road

Advance work will start on May 27, following approval by the transport secretary.

Utility companies will move two overhead high powered electricity cables underground, and the relocation of gas and water pipes and fibre optic broadband cables.

Moving these will support the main construction of the A5-M1 link road and the new Junction 11a, due to start in March 2015.

This part of major civil engineering work will take 24 months to complete and will continue alongside the main construction.

Karen Green, Highways Agency project manager, said: “It’s important we start this package of work now, as it helps us keep on target for main work starting by March 2015.

“There will be some local traffic management in place during the work, but we expect it to have minimal impact on road users.”

Central Bedfordshire council provided £5 million towards the scheme.

Director of regeneration at the council, Jason Longhurst, said: “This marks an important step in the on-going process of meeting the future infrastructure needs for the area. Over the coming months we will be working hard with our partners to bring our plans to fruition.”

Impact on traffic is expected to be minimal but drivers can keep up to date on www.highways.gov.uk.