National Highways have said that they expect the A421 to remain closed until Friday after parts of the road in Bedford were left submerged in over eight feet of water due to heavy rain last weekend.
Water on the road, which was closed fully between the junction for the A6 and M1 J13 on Sunday (22 September), is currently being pumped into tankers in an operation being led by National Highways with assistance from Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Service (BFRS).
The Bedford Independent has asked National Highways, who are responsible for the road, several questions about the operation and when the A421 is likely to reopen following unconfirmed reports it may be closed for another seven days.
They have not responded to our enquiries but a statement on their website says, ‘At this time, it is expected the A421 will remain closed today and tomorrow (Thursday, 26 September).
‘National Highways is working to pump large amounts of water clear from the junction and following this operation, there will be abandoned vehicles to recover and an extensive clean-up operation to ensure the road is safe to open.’
The closure of the road has created heavy congestion on other smaller routes in the area, with a diversion making use of Bedford Road and Woburn Road.
It has also renewed criticisms of the way the road was built, with a dip under bridges that creates a basin for water to collect.
Comments on social media have complained about how the road is always prone to flooding and suggested that some of the bridges should have been demolished and raised to allow the road to pass under them at a higher level to aid drainage.
To mitigate the collection of rainwater on the road a pumping station was installed at Lower Shelton. However, this was overwhelmed by the amount of rain and was even flooded by rising water.
Other roads closed
Other smaller roads in Bedford Borough also remain closed due to storms at the weekend.
Harrold, Oakley, Felmersham and Radwell bridges are closed until further notice due to flooding. Advisory ‘Road Closed’ flood signs have been set in place to warn motorists.
However, Lovell Road, Clapham was reopened moments ago.
Bedford Borough Council says they are continuing to monitor the situation and will reopen closed bridges as soon as it is safe to do so. For the latest information and advice, please visit bedford.gov.uk/flood.
