A5-M1 Link Road

The UK’s Highways Agency announced that construction has started on the £162.1m A5-M1 Link Road Dunstable Northern Bypass in the east of England.

According to Highways Agency, the link is part of the government’s long-term economic plan, which is has set aside £24bn to improve roads across the country.

As part of the project, a new 2.8-mile, two-lane dual carriageway and three new junctions will be built to improve journeys for long-distance traffic travelling through Dunstable.

The project is also expected to relieve congestion, while improving safety on the A5, upon completion in mid-2017.

"Infrastructure is a vital part of our long-term economic plan to secure a better future for the people of Bedfordshire."

UK Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin 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.

"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)."

As part of the project, three new junctions will be built.

They include a roundabout with the A5 at the western end of the link road, a second one at the intersection with the A5120 Bedford Road and a new interchange with the M1 motorway to be named Junction 11A at the eastern end of the link road.

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

UK Highways Agency senior project manager Paul Unwin said: "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’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."

The project received £5m from the Central Bedfordshire Council, and a further £45m was contributed by a developer.

Image: Construction work on A5-M1 Link Road begins. Photo: courtesy of Crown.