Work on A5-M1 link road starts

16/03/2015 | HIGHWAYS REPORTERS

Construction work on the £162.1 million A5-M1 link road has started.

The new road, which will feature a 2.8 mile two-lane dual carriageway and three junctions, will improve the east-west connection between the A5 and M1 and journeys for long distance traffic currently travelling through Dunstable. This traffic will be able to use the A5-M1 link road as an alternative route to travelling through the town.

Once completed in spring 2017, the Highways Agency project will also relieve congestion and improve safety on the A5.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, who attended today’s (16 March 2015) official start of work ceremony, said: “Infrastructure is a vital part of our long term economic plan to secure a better future for the people of Bedfordshire. The A5-M1 link road is a great example of how we’re delivering projects that will boost growth across the country.

“Businesses and motorists will benefit from our investment and the extra capacity it brings.”

The Highways Agency will build the new dual carriageway to the north of Dunstable, between the A5 (at Thorn Turn, just north of its existing junction with the A505) and the M1 at a new junction 11A (to the south of the existing Toddington Services). Three new junctions will be constructed: a roundabout with the A5 at the western end of the link road; a second roundabout will be at the intersection with the A5120 Bedford Road; and a new interchange with the M1 motorway which will be named as junction 11A at the eastern end of the link road.

The scheme also includes an over bridge on Sundon Road, B579 Luton Road and the construction of four bridges passing over the A5-M1 Link.

Highways Agency senior project manager, Paul Unwin, added: “The new A5-M1 link aims to increase accessibility between the north-south strategic routes, reducing the level of traffic using the A5 and providing relief to communities within Houghton Regis, improving journey time reliability for longer distance traffic.

“We have worked hard with our contractor and people affected by the work to plan the scheme carefully to minimise disruption.

“We’ve already done some preparation for main construction. The first phase of work will include the construction of the new B579 Luton Road east and west, temporary link roads and Sundon Road bridge.”

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Senior Civil Engineer - Major Projects x 4

£45,894.00 - £54,952.00
We are looking for experienced engineers to help us progress a number of key projects and programmes Glasgow, Glasgow City
Recruiter: Transport Scotland

Technician - Maintenance

£31001.0000 - £36471.0000 per annum
Essex Highways is responsible for managing and maintaining one of the largest highway networks in the country
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Highways Contract Engineer

£46,731 - £49,764
The team helps provide a safe road network that operates efficiently and effectively.  Northamptonshire
Recruiter: North Northamptonshire Council

Principal Transport Planner

£46,731 - £49,764 (pro-rata)
We are looking for an experienced professional to join us on a six-month temporary contact as a Principal Transport Planner. Kettering, Northamptonshire
Recruiter: North Northamptonshire Council

Highways Maintenance Operative

£Competitive
We have a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Highways Maintenance Operative Broughton, Brigg
Recruiter: Amey

Head of Highways Contracts & Network

£81,803 progressing to £90,664 per annum
The team includes approximately 60 directly employed HCC people Hertfordshire
Recruiter: Hertfordshire County Council

Principal Construction Manager

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Principal Construction Manager Yorkshire and the Humber
Recruiter: Amey

Quality Technician

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Quality Technician Yorkshire and the Humber
Recruiter: Amey

Senior Highway Engineer (Development Management)

£42679.0000 - £50211.0000 per annum
Senior Highway Engineer (Development Management)Permanent, Full Time£43,960 to £51,718 per annum*Location
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Project Manager (Major Projects)

£44,711 - £47,754
Are you an experienced project professional or engineer with looking to take the next step in your career? Halifax, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council

Senior Civil Engineer - Roads

£45,894 - £54,952
Are you an experienced engineer looking to support the Scottish Government’s national objectives. Scotland
Recruiter: Transport Scotland

Senior Civil Engineering Technician

Grade 7 £29,093 to £32,654 per annum
We are looking for a flexible individual who has the ability to meet targets and analyse and resolve complex technical problems and formulate a design Durham
Recruiter: Durham County Council

Project Team Manager

£55,147 to £60,676 per annum
We are pleased to be able to offer an opportunity for a role as Design Team Manager Norwich, Norfolk
Recruiter: Norfolk County Council

Clerk of Works

GRADE 08 (£37,938 - £41,511)
Warrington is one of the most successful towns in the country Warrington, Cheshire
Recruiter: Warrington Borough Council

Assistant Projects Engineer

GRADE 06 (£29,093 - £32,654),GRADE 07 (£33,366 - £37,035), GRADE 08 (£37,938 - £41,511)
Warrington is one of the most successful towns in the country Warrington, Cheshire
Recruiter: Warrington Borough Council

Principal Engineer - Traffic Management

£45,718 - £48,710 per annum
At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve people’s lives. Bath, Somerset
Recruiter: Bath & North East Somerset Council

Vehicle Technician - Improver

£28,624 - £30,060
Transport Services is responsible for all aspects of transport and related services Huddersfield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Programme Delivery Office Administrator

Grade 9 £31,344 - £33,253 per annum
At Derbyshire, we have been on a journey to transform the way we deliver highway services to make them fit for the future Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Support Officer - Highways Asset Management Systems

£31,586 - £34,314
We are a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to maintaining and improving our highway infrastructure. Lincolnshire
Recruiter: Lincolnshire County Council

Principal Transport Planner (Strategy)

£46,731-£49,764
We are looking for an experienced professional to join North Northamptonshire Council as a Principal Transport Planner (Strategy). Sheerness House, 41 Meadow Road, Kettering moving to Haylock House, Kettering Parkway, Kettering NN15 6EY, United Kingdom
Recruiter: North Northamptonshire 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