Proud day for South Beds as new A5-M1 link road and M1 junction 11A open

It's a proud day for South Bedfordshire as the new A5-M1 link road and new M1 junction 11A opened to traffic this morning, the news even getting a special mention on the BBC Radio 2 Chris Evans Breakfast Show.
Andrew Selous at the new bypass link road today.Andrew Selous at the new bypass link road today.
Andrew Selous at the new bypass link road today.

The 2.8 mile dual carriageway, which was open by 6am, has become part of the A5, while the the new M1 junction 11A, which connects the new road and the new Woodside Link road to the M1, also opened at the same time.

Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for South West Bedfordshire, Andrew Selous, said: “This is a fantastic day for us locally. We have needed this road for so long. It was talked about before the Second World War. When Markyate was bypassed in 1959, the Chairman of Hertfordshire County Council said then, ‘I am sure that Dunstable’s Bypass won’t be far behind”!

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“This road will relieve congestion in Dunstable and Houghton Regis as well as villages like Totternhoe and Kensworth.

A5-M1 link road and new M1 junction 11A. Photo by Highways EnglandA5-M1 link road and new M1 junction 11A. Photo by Highways England
A5-M1 link road and new M1 junction 11A. Photo by Highways England

“It will also greatly speed up journey times from Leighton Buzzard to the M1. The air quality in Dunstable and Houghton Regis will also be greatly improved from the reduction in HGV traffic through both towns”.

The scheme includes two other new junctions and six new bridges.

The lane restrictions on the M1 which were in place during the construction of the new road will be restored to full capacity.

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The national speed limit will apply on the new, dualled section of the A5.

A5-M1 link road and new M1 junction 11A. Photo by Highways EnglandA5-M1 link road and new M1 junction 11A. Photo by Highways England
A5-M1 link road and new M1 junction 11A. Photo by Highways England

Drivers are asked to take extra care as the road layout has changed with the introduction of new slip roads and the new junction. The new road replaces a section of the A5 through Dunstable which is being handed over to Central Bedfordshire Council and Hertfordshire County Council.

Some minor work including the completion of new sign installation will need to take place after the new road is opened and the old section handed over to the council.

Single lanes will be closed for this to be done.

For the information about the A5-M1 Link scheme, visit: http://www.highways.gov.uk/roads/road-projects/A5-M1-Link-Dunstable-Northern-Bypass