National Highways has reopened the A421 with traffic now being diverted ‘up and over’ the flooded section of the road at Marston Moretaine.
A section of the road has been closed since 22 September between the A6 at Bedford to the M1 junction 13, near Brogborough/Marston Moretaine, after a month of rainfall fell in under 48 hours.
From this morning the road has been reopened, with traffic diverted off the A421 in both directions onto the exit slip roads at Marston Moretaine and then rejoining the road on the other side of the junction via the entry slip roads.
While National Highways have already confirmed parts of the road will need to be resurfaced after being damaged by flood water, they will need to carry out further assessments of the road surface under the overbridge and repair the pumping station.
While this will speed up journeys along this route, motorists are still advised to allow extra time for their journeys.
Repairs needed
Martin Fellows, Regional Director for National Highways in the East of England said: “We have made significant progress with our teams working around the clock to reopen the A421 this morning”.
“Due to damage caused by flooding to some sections of the road, repair works will continue. Sections will be reduced to one lane in places and there will be diversions and speed restrictions to keep everyone safe.
“We thank motorists for their patience while we continue this work.”
Martin added: “The reopening is good news for motorists, but it doesn’t change the disruption and inconvenience this has caused to local people and those that rely on this section of road, and I would like to extend my appreciation for their continued patience and support.
“I’d also like to thank our local partners in Bedfordshire for their ongoing help and collaboration.”
There will be a temporary closure of the section Beancroft Road between its junction with the old A421 Marston Bypass and the roundabout at the top of the A421 westbound exit/entry slips in a north direction only.
Traffic coming out of Marston Moretaine via Beancroft Road will continue to be able to travel west from the roundabout on Marston Bypass towards Brogborough/M1 Junction 13 and east towards Marsh Leys/Kempston.
Those wishing to travel north from Marston towards Cranfield will need to access Cranfield via Wotton.
