Preparatory works begin on A5-M1 Link
Further work to prepare for main construction of the A5-M1 Link Dunstable Northern Bypass will start on Monday (12 January).
The new two-lane dual carriageway running east from the A5 north of Dunstable to join the M1 at a new junction 11a south of Chalton will reduce and improve journey time reliability for long distance traffic travelling around Dunstable.
The majority of the preparatory work will be offline and involve site clearance on the M1 temporary slip roads, including trimming hedges, bushes and trees. During this work off-peak temporary traffic lights will be in use for local traffic on Sundon Road from 9am until 3.30pm.
There will also be ditch and fencing work east of the M1 in the field adjacent with no impact on traffic.
Temporary slip roads will be constructed on the west and east side of the M1 to avoid heavy site traffic travelling through the villages and to minimise disruption on the carriageway when main work commences. This will involve closing lanes one and two from 10pm until 6am for three days on 24 February to construct these slip roads.
Highways Agency Assistant Project Manager Esosa Ikolo said:
This preparatory work has been planned to try and minimise the impact on traffic and we have worked closely with local communities to ensure they’re fully aware.
This activity is taking place in preparation for the main construction work which is planned to start this Spring.
Advance work on the A5-M1 Link Dunstable Northern Bypass started on 27 May following approval of the scheme by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin.
To keep up-to-date with site preparation work and information about the scheme, visit the Highways Agency’s website.
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