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UK infrastructure group Balfour Beatty has started construction of the new £38m Woodside Link Road in Bedfordshire.

The Central Bedfordshire Council has welcomed transport minister Andrew Jones MP for the initiation of this project.

Work under the 1.8-mile Woodside link road will include the diversion of the Houghton Brook via two bridges and a culvert, a sheet piled retaining wall, noise barriers and drainage works, as well as facilities for cyclists and landscaping.

The project is expected to stimulate investment, reduce congestion and improve air quality in the towns, connecting the Woodside business area to the M1 motorway at the new Junction 11A.

"This scheme will make it easier for people to access Luton Airport and the M1, providing better journeys for residents and businesses and supporting more housing and jobs."

Jones noted: "This scheme will make it easier for people to access Luton Airport and the M1, providing better journeys for residents and businesses and supporting more housing and jobs.

"The government is committed to investing in faster and more reliable transport links. This road scheme is part of our long-term economic plan to deliver benefits for everyone."

According to the Central Bedfordshire Council, a proposed new 5,600-home development and 30ha business district are also expected to result from the new link road.

Balfour Beatty operations regional director Nick Osborne said: "The official start of work ceremony by Andrew Jones MP marks a significant step in the delivery of the Woodside Link Road Project alongside Central Bedfordshire Council, a road that will provide an important connection between the Woodside business area and the M1."

According to the company the new Woodside link road is expected to open late next year.

Image: Transport minister Andrew Jones MP, joins Balfour Beatty, Central Bedfordshire Council and the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership. Photo: courtesy of Balfour Beatty