A5-M1 link

The UK’s Highways England has announced that construction work will begin on 17 June to build a new junction (Junction 11A) on the M1 in Bedfordshire, in order to reduce congestion in the area.

The new junction 11A, which will be located to the south of Toddington services, is part of a new £161m link road between the A5 and the M1 that will help to unlock growth and reduce congestion.

Work on the link road was initiated in March by joint venture contractors Costain and Carillion.

Highways England project manager Karen Green said: "This junction is a vital part of this significant road improvement.

"This junction is a vital part of this significant road improvement."

"The new link road will be a major new bypass for Dunstable, reducing congestion and improving safety on the A5, and reducing pressure on the A5 through Dunstable town centre. Work on the project is progressing well.

"To build the junction, we will need roadworks on the M1 between Junctions 11 and 12, but we are working closely with our contractor and local partners to ensure disruption to road users during this work is kept to a minimum."

The link road, expected to be completed by spring 2017, will create a new 2.8-mile dual carriageway that will improve the east-west connection between the A5 and M1.

UK Transport Minister Andrew Jones said: "As part of our long-term economic plan, we’re committed to the biggest investment in roads in a generation.

"It’s vital we use our transport infrastructure to create jobs and make it easier for people to see their family and friends.

"The £2bn we are investing in the East of England will ease congestion and make journeys quicker across the region, as well as creating an estimated 1,000 construction jobs."

According to Highways England, while the junction is being built, Lane 3 on the M1 will be closed between Junctions 11 and 12 in both directions, while three lanes will remain open, with traffic running on the hard shoulder and Lanes 1 and 2.

Image: A5-M1 link road, Dunstable Northen Bypass map. Photo: courtesy of Highways England.