A section of the A421 in Bedford between the junction for the A6 and M1 J13 at Brogborough will remain closed “into tomorrow” (Tuesday) after it flooded due to heavy rain.
The nearby pumping station at Lower Shelton which helps to keep the road free from water was itself flooded by rising water leaving both carriageways of the road submerged in up to eight feet of water.
National Highways has now ordered several articulated tankers and pumping equipment to help clear the floodwater
They say that once water has been pumped away, the surface of the road will be assessed and reopened once if it is safe to do so.
Read: Schools and roads closed after weekend storms batter Bedford Borough
A spokesperson for National Highways said: “At this stage, we cannot provide a timeline for the road to reopen. Please continue to follow our latest updates online.”
Three vehicles that were also abandoned in the flooded section will also need to be recovered. There have been no reports of any injuries.
Torrential rain on the evening over the weekend forced a road closure yesterday (Sunday) evening. Road users are advised to avoid the area if possible or allow extra time for their journeys.
Motorists who use this stretch of the A421 are being diverted via local routes. However, as some of Bedford’s roads have also been affected by localised flooding, motorists are reminded to follow the signed diversion route and not use sat navs.
For the latest traffic information visit nationalhighways.co.uk or contact National Highways’ 24-7 customer contact centre at 0300 123 5000.
Concern about more flooding
The flooding in Bedford has reignited the debate on approval of planning applications in areas where natural flood plains exist.
Kempston Rural has been heavily affected by the storms this weekend with BFRS and other agencies attending to help pump excess water away from residential areas.
One member of the Protect Kempston’s Flood Plain Facebook group wrote, “I’m dreading winter again, six months of anxiety constantly checking the culvert and the lane each time it floods.”
Bedford Borough Council is also holding a Flood Forum, which they say is “An opportunity for local communities to find out more about flooding and flood risk management across Bedford Borough.”
The event on 3 October starts at 6pm at Borough Hall on Cauldwell Street. It is free to attend but you must register for a ticket at their Eventbrite page.
