Bromham and Biddenham Councillors Roger Rigby and Jon Gambold have been in regular contact with Council officers and Network Rail in relation to two infrastructure schemes that will affect Bromham and Biddenham residents.

Bedford Western Bypass

Work on the second phase of the Bedford Western Bypass, which will link the Deep Spinney roundabout at Biddenham with the A6 Paula Radcliffe Way, could start as early as September after the Council secured agreement with local landowners to acquire the necessary land.  The Council has also issued the relevant tender documents.  It is positive news that the scheme can finally begin after years of delay. 

The works should take around 18 months and will include the development of 205 houses and a school by the Harpur Trust on the Bedford side of the bypass, while 495 houses will be built by Hallam Land Management at the Biddenham end of the road.  The former golf course, owned by Wingfield, will also be part of the development but works on this site will probably not begin for several years.

The total cost of the new road is £15.975m and is being financed by various sources of Government funds.

Bromham Road Bridge

Due to Network Rail’s plans to electrify the railway to the north of Bedford, the bridge on Bromham Road will need to be raised.  This subsequent road closure could have a significant affect on traffic congestion, particularly for Bromham and Biddenham residents travelling to and from Bedford town centre.

Councillors Rigby and Gambold have made it clear to Network Rail that works to raise the bridge cannot begin until there is a suitable alternative route, which would be available in the guise of the Western Bypass once it has been completed.  Due to the importance of alleviating the potential traffic chaos, the Councillors will continue to press Network Rail on its plans. 

More updates on both these schemes can be seen at www.bedfordconservatives.org.uk as and when they are available.