Westbound carriageway of the A421 in Bedfordshire reopens following unprecedented flooding

This morning the A421 westbound carriageway, near Marston Moretaine, reopened for the first time since record rainfall forced its closure almost three weeks ago.

Work is continuing to get the eastbound carriageway open as soon as possible. 

A 40mph speed limit restriction will be in place on the carriageway and slip roads as a precautionary measure while further assessments are carried out to the safety barrier. 

Martin Fellows – Regional Director for National Highways in the East Region – welcomed the development and said: “This is a positive step, which we intend to follow up shortly with the opening of the eastbound carriageway.

“At this point I also think it’s important to recognise the disruption and inconvenience this issue has caused to drivers, local residents and those that rely on this section of road. My message to them is that we remain grateful for your continued patience and support.

“I would also like to thank our local partners in Bedfordshire for their ongoing assistance and collaboration during a time where we have seen unprecedented rainfall -and its devastating impact across the region.”

Since Sunday 22 September, the Marston Moretaine section of the A421 between the A6 at Bedford and the M1 junction 13, near Brogborough/Marston Moretaine, has been closed after a month of rainfall fell in under 48 hours.  

Work began to clear 72 million litres of floodwater – which is equivalent to around 30 Olympic-sized swimming pools – using pumping equipment, 6km of pipes and a fleet of 25 tankers, water was safely dispersed to a number of sites where it did not add to the already saturated ground.

By Monday 7 October, the floodwater had been removed and tests showed that parts of the road required repair work after being under water for a prolonged period of time. This commenced immediately and included resurfacing the main carriageway, as well as the exit and entry slip roads. We are also carried out additional works including vegetation and litter clearance, filter drainage renewal and inspections. 

Further routine maintenance work was also undertaken while the road was closed to minimise future disruption for road users. 

Temporary pumps have also been installed to replace the ones damaged by the flood, whilst the permanent replacement and solution is designed.