A project to end chronic congestion on Ampthill Road has been given the ‘green light’ by the Government.

Last year the Government invited bids for new schemes to receive funding through its Local Growth Funds to boost regional economies.  Bedford Borough Council subsequently put forward a bid, via the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP), a public / private group responsible for driving economic growth, to receive just under £5m to improve Ampthill Road’s traffic flow.

The Southern Gateway project, as it is known, is set to use new technology to link traffic signals, thus enabling them to respond better to congestion.  It also includes a planned revision of the road network that could see cycle lanes and footways moved to bridges adjacent to the road, which would allow an additional lane for traffic.

The Government announced last week that £59m will be allocated to the South East Midlands region to fund new schemes including the Bedford Southern Gateway.  The estimated total cost of the project is £5.4m, including a £600k allocation from the Council.  The Council has said its plans are flexible depending on the resources available.

SEMLEP will now undertake a ‘due diligence’ process to establish how much each of the schemes will receive.

Cllr Graeme Coombes, representative of Wixams and Wilstead, has been a long-time advocate for addressing Ampthill Road’s congestion issues.  He said:

‘Ampthill Road has for many years been beset with severe congestion.  It is infamous in driving motorists to despair with seemingly endless traffic and queues.

‘At long last we now have a scheme that has been given the green light with Government funds.  I am hopeful that the Southern Gateway project will significantly improve travel times in this area of the town which can only be positive for residents and businesses.’