In February 2023 Bedford Borough Council announced that the resurfacing of Paula Radcliffe Way and associated slip roads at Clapham and Oakley had been planned for the summer. This essential maintenance project aims to improve the quality and safety of the road, ensuring smoother journeys for residents and commuters alike.
Paula Radcliffe Way is around 5km long, totally an area of approximately 100,000 square metres, and this project will revitalise this crucial stretch of road.
The resurfacing work will be carried out in two phases. Initially, the southbound carriageway, leading towards Bedford, will be closed from 24 July until early September. Following the works on the southbound carriageway, the northbound carriageway from the Great Ouse roundabout to the Oakley slip road will be closed from the start of September until the end of October.
Jim Weir, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Highways and Transport, said, ”The resurfacing of Paula Radcliffe Way is a significant project that will greatly enhance the quality of this vital route. We recognise the inconvenience caused by these road closures, but we assure residents and commuters that the contractor will work tirelessly, day and night, to complete the work as quickly as possible.
“We appreciate everyone's patience during this period, as we continue to deliver a safe and more efficient road network for our community.”
During these closures, traffic will be diverted through Clapham, allowing for the uninterrupted progress of the project. The road closures will be in place 24 hours a day, with the contractor working around the clock to complete the work as quickly as possible.
From Monday 10 July, preparation work will begin with teams clearing out ditches and the drainage system, cutting back vegetation and litter picking.
As well as resurfacing, this also provides an opportunity to make a detailed inspection of the river bridges, make any repairs and replace the expansion joints. As well as the road itself, the lay-bys will also be resurfaced. Streetlights and crash barriers along this stretch of road will be reviewed and any repairs that are needed will take place. These smaller projects will help keep this route safe and minimise the need for future disruptions.
There will be some further road closures required after October to complete resurfacing between the Oakley slip road and Milton Ernest. These works will be carried out overnight only, from 8pm to 6am, with a diversion route via A45 and A509.
It is possible to find further information on roadworks and road closures in Bedford Borough at www.bedford.gov.uk/roadworks.
