Motorists are being reminded of a temporary road closure at St Paul’s Square later this month as part of ongoing town centre improvement works.
The closure, which will affect access to nearby homes, businesses and services, forms part of a project to revitalise the area using funding from the Government’s £22.6m Bedford Town Deal.
To allow for essential drainage and resurfacing, the south side of St Paul’s Square will be closed to all vehicles 24 hours a day from Wednesday, 23 July to Friday, 29 August 2025, between the junction with High Street and Horne Lane.
Pedestrian access will remain open, although some short diversions may be in place.
Samantha Laycock, Chair of the Bedford Town Deal Board, said the improvements would make the historic square “more attractive, accessible, and people-focused” and thanked Bedfordians for their patience during the work.
Cllr Andrea Spice (Conservative/Wixams), Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Planning and Prosperity, added: “We’re doing everything we can to minimise disruption and make sure people are kept informed throughout the works.”
During the closure, clearly marked diversion routes will guide traffic through designated detours, depending on the approach.
- Traffic approaching from the High Street will divert via St Mary’s Street → St John’s Street → Kingsway → Cauldwell Street → Prebend Street.
- Traffic approaching from Cauldwell Street will divert either via Prebend Street (as above) or St Mary’s Street → The Embankment → Newnham Street → St Cuthbert’s Street → St Peter’s Street → Dame Alice Street → Bromham Road.
Access via River Street and Horne Lane will still be possible, and all traffic will be permitted to use the Horne Lane bus lane during the closure.
Buses will continue serving stops by the Corn Exchange, with services from the south diverted via the bus station.
Bin collections and individual access needs are being coordinated by the council’s site representatives, who remain in contact with affected households and businesses.
Further details and a map of the project can be found at: bedford.gov.uk/Towns-Fund-Projects.
Live roadworks information is also available at roadworks.org or via the Highways Helpdesk on 01234 718003.
