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Published:
06:15 12 June 2022
Work has started on the Arlesey Relief Road, which will link the High Street with the A507 – following a groundbreaking ceremony.
The 1.4 km link road will provide access to a 950 home development at Chase Farm and allow for the construction of new homes, community facilities and commercial developments.
Coordinated and led by Central Bedfordshire Council, the scheme will also move traffic from busy Arlesey High Street to the new road to ease congestion and reduce journey times for road users heading to the A507.
Under the scheme, dedicated cycle lanes and pavements will be installed along the carriageway and a new bridge over the A507 will complete a route from Arlesey to Etonbury Woods and local schools.
The bridge will also feature a viewing platform at tree canopy level for people to enjoy the forest and wildlife.
The new road will create a link between the High Street and the A507
– Credit: Jacobs
The new sidewalks, cycle paths and bridge are intended to encourage more active travel and, with the planting of over 500 new trees, the scheme “supports sustainability” which is an “important priority for the council”.
Richard Fuller, MP for North East Bedfordshire, said: “Today is a momentous day for a transformational road project for Arlesey and Central Bedfordshire.
“This will unlock further development and have a positive impact on the local community. Central Bedfordshire Council deserves great credit for bringing another important infrastructure project to fruition.”
Jacobs designed the road project and John Sisk and Son is the main contractor. Construction of the road is expected to take approximately 18 months.
Cllr Richard Wenham, leader of Central Bedfordshire Council breaks ground at Arlesey Relief Road
– Credit: Central Bedfordshire Council
Cllr Richard Wenham, leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “This road will drive new investment forward, stimulate new development, lead to new quality homes, provide new cycle and walking routes and the planting of trees to support our sustainability goals and will have significant benefits for the local community.
“We are committed to initiating and investing in programs that have a positive impact on the lives of our central Bedfordshire residents.”
An overview showing the diagram can be viewed at youtube.be/VrNRsz7wDRc
Further information is available at www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/arlesey-relief-road.
