Liberal Democrat Mayor Dave Hodgson has signed the decision to appoint the contractor to construct the crucial final phase of the Bedford Western Bypass. Work will start on site within weeks. Breheny Civil Engineering were appointed to carry out the £18.6 million project to complete a route which was first planned over fifty years ago and won the tender on both quality and price. The project was finally able to go ahead after Mayor Dave Hodgson used Compulsory Purchase Orders to remove a series of obstacles blocking the building of the new road.
The final phase will link the A4280 at Bromham Road with the A6 at Clapham. The first phase of the bypass, the Branston Way, is already in place linking the A4280 at Bromham Road with the dualled A421 at Marsh Leys roundabout to the South West of Bedford and Kempston. When completed the Western Bypass will enable motorists to drive on a north-south route without having to go through Bedford town itself, greatly reducing congestion.
Commenting, Mayor Dave 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."
Mayor Dave made it a top Council priority to overcome the seemingly impossible obstacles blocking the new road. It was the Council's achievement in winning external funding to build the road that helped break the deadlock.
Construction is expected to take approximately 18 months, with the new road due to be open in spring 2016.