A1 roundabout improvements

Work will start soon to reconfigure the A1/A6001 roundabout outside Biggleswade to support Central Bedfordshire Council’s ambitions for growth and employment prospects in the area.

The improved roundabout will now become a ‘longabout’ – a more elongated, oval shaped roundabout, which increases traffic capacity but also makes the area more attractive for development.

The work by the Council and Highways Agency is set to start on 20 January, weather permitting, and will last for approximately six months. It is divided into five phases and there will be a number of diversions in place throughout.

Cllr Brian Spurr, Executive Member for Sustainable Communities, Services said: “Clearly the A1 is a very busy strategic route and it is essential that we keep the traffic moving. We will need to narrow the lanes on the A1 and occasionally close a lane but the lane closures will be done at night time whenever possible. Diversions will be in place, but we’re very conscious of the impact on local people and have made sure that none will direct people through the centre of Biggleswade unless it’s essential local traffic, so there shouldn’t suddenly be an influx of cars or lorries.”

The work schedule is designed to minimise disruption to those on the roads and those that live near by.

Cllr Spurr continued: “We are very aware that any roadworks cause disruption and this will be no exception. But we will do everything we can to minimise this and hope that people will be able to see beyond the temporary issues to a much better solution for the whole area.

“We believe it will support and encourage job and housing growth in the area, supporting our ambition to make Biggleswade a great place to live and work. The new configuration will make Stratton Business Park and London Road Retail Park more attractive for development, but it should also prevent HGVs using the town centre as a route because they’ll have a far better option. So it could really improve traffic and the atmosphere in the town.”

“If the ‘longabout’ works as planned, the increase in development could unlock thousands of new jobs, make housing developments to the east of Biggleswade possible and offer more shopping choice for residents. It will take some time, of course, but this is just the start.”

“We would ask that people bear with us throughout the works. We’ll be doing everything we can to minimise disruption and we hope people agree that it will be worth the wait,” Cllr Spurr added.