Transport Minister opens £24m ring road in Luton

15/07/2014 | HIGHWAYS REPORTERS

Transport Minister Baroness Kramer has officially opened a new £24 million ring road in Luton.

The Baroness performed a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of engineering works on the new link road, which runs from the junction of Old Bedford and Hucklesby Way to St Mary’s roundabout, and finally completes Luton’s inner ring road after a wait of more than 40 years.

Phased opening to the public of the full town centre transport scheme, which also delivers a range of access improvements for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists on the north side of the town centre, is scheduled over the next few weeks during the school holidays.

The scheme has been supported with nearly £16m of government funding.

Transport Minister Baroness Kramer said: “The £16m we have provided for the inner ring road will help make a real difference to Luton. This new scheme will drive down congestion in the town centre and boost the local economy.”

The scheme is a vital part of the major infrastructure improvements being delivered by Luton Borough Council to attract new investment and employment into the borough which also includes the upgrading of M1 Junction 10a and the opening last September of the Luton Dunstable Busway.

Cllr Dave Taylor, portfolio holder for environment at Luton Borough Council, added: “This represents another landmark moment in the regeneration of Luton town centre. Not only does this scheme provide additional vehicle capacity but it will also remove through-traffic from Guildford Street and make the town centre more attractive for pedestrians and cyclists.

“It delivers major benefits for Luton’s retail sector and greatly improves prospects for delivery of major regeneration projects including mixed-use developments at Power Court and High Town Village and extensions to The Mall shopping centre.”

At the heart of the project, which started last July, is a new two-way, single-carriageway link road has been built between Midland Road and the railway line, and passes under the station multi-storey car park. The completed inner ring road then continues into Crescent Road to another signal-controlled junction with Crawley Green Road, and from there the next section is dual carriageway as far as St Mary’s roundabout.

The scheme also includes a new bridge, which crosses the mainline railway and Luton Dunstable Busway, and also a shared cycle/pedestrian route.

A new access road serving Midland Road from Gillam Street, and a new one-way system for Guildford Street and Cheapside, were opened earlier this year, with both ends of Midland Road permanently closed to traffic.

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Project Lead - Bridges and Structures WMF3037e

£45,718 to £46,731
We are currently seeking to recruit a Project Lead to join our Bridges and Structures team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Traffic Management Technician - WMF3040e

£27,711 - £28,624
Are you an organised and motivated individual who wants to make a difference to how our roads are managed? Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2114e

£37,035 - £37,938
Are you an experienced and motivated professional looking to take the next step in your traffic management career? Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Technician - Highway Inspector

Grade 8 £28,797 - £30,708 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
Within the Highways Maintenance Team we are looking for an enthusiastic, customer focused and experienced person to join the Service Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Project Delivery Senior Team Leader

£74,480 - £85,964
Are you an experienced Chartered Civil Engineer (or equivalent professional qualification) Glasgow City
Recruiter: Transport Scotland

Assistant Traffic Management Technician - WMF2104e

£25,584 - £25,992
Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking an organised and enthusiastic individual to join our South Lakeland team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Project Delivery Team Leader

£57,710 - £71,842
Are you an experienced Chartered Civil Engineer (or equivalent professional qualification). Glasgow City
Recruiter: Transport Scotland

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2102e

£37,035 - £37,938
This is a key role supporting the delivery a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Shared Service Manager (Waste) North Herts Council

£52000 - £61000 per annum
Shared Service Manager (Waste) North Herts CouncilNorth Herts CouncilPermanent, Full Time£52,866 - £61,866 per annum, plus car allowance (pay award pe England, Hertfordshire, Letchworth Garden City
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2102e

£37,035 - £37,938
This is a key role supporting the delivery a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Assistant Traffic Management Technician - WMF2104e

£25,584 - £25,992
This is a key support role, helping to deliver a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes across South Lakeland. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Flood Risk Engineering and Strategy Officer

£49,764 - £55,623
In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce Coventry, West Midlands
Recruiter: Coventry City Council

Engineer

£44,430 - £51,663
This post is within the Highways Design and Delivery Team. London (Greater)
Recruiter: Tower Hamlets London Borough Council

Civil Enforcement Officer - WMF3013e

£27,711 -£28,624
Are you seeking an active and challenging role, part of a friendly and welcoming team? Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

UGO Bus Driver

Up to £25081.00 per annum
UGO Bus DriverPermanent, Part TimeUp to £25,081 per annum (full time equivalent)Location
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Head of Highways Operations

Salary
Somerset Council
Recruiter: Somerset Council

Highway Network Technician - WMF2090e

£27,711 - £28,624
We are looking to recruit a friendly and motivated candidate to join our Highways Maintenance Team as Highways Network Technician. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW