Update: A421 in Bedfordshire remains closed in both directions due to significant flooding
National Highways is continuing to work around the clock to tackle the issue but is warning that despite having removed over 5 million litres of water – equivalent to two Olympic-sized swimming pools – the road is likely to remain closed for a prolonged period that could amount to several days.
Following torrential rain over the weekend, the A421 was shut in both directions between A6 at Bedford to M1 junction 13 near Brogborough/Marston Moretaine. Both carriageways have been closed since Sunday evening (22 Sept)
Efforts to clear the floodwater have been ongoing since the weekend with a fleet of 10 tankers working around the clock to remove water from the carriageway, which is estimated to be around 60 million litres in total, and at its peak was 8ft deep.
The flooding of a local pumping station has significantly contributed to the issue.
Once the water has been removed from the carriageway, an investigation and assessment will be carried out to better understand if there is damage to the road and what repair work will be needed.
Martin Fellows, Regional Director for National Highways in the East of England, said:
“Let me reassure people that we are taking every possible measure we can to alleviate this situation and get the roads open as soon as possible.
“By the end of today we expect to have removed more than 5 million litres of water – that’s the same amount as you’d find in two Olympic swimming pools.
“The torrential weather experienced in this part of the country meant over a month’s rainfall fell in less than 48 hours. That overwhelmed the area and, for the first time we’ve experienced, flooded a nearby pumping station hampering our ability to deal this.
“This is an absolute priority as we don’t want people’s journeys impacted by disruption and all our efforts are focused on resolving this and getting the road open as soon as it is safe to do so.
“Given the ground conditions are so wet and we are having to transport the floodwater away from the immediate area, it’s important people realise the size of the task and this could take a number of days to resolve.
“I understand that people are curious and want to visit the scene but I would kindly request that members of the public continue to support us by staying away from the area so our work to resolve this issue can continue to progress at pace.”
A further weather warning for heavy rain tomorrow (Thurs 26 Sept) has been issued by the Met Office. We ask road users to check the latest updates on diversion routes before they travel as these could be impacted with more rainfall.
How to find out more:
For the latest information please visit National Highways dedicated A421 webpage and regional social media accounts on ‘X’ and Facebook.
Closures and diversions:
Traffic wishing to travel northbound is advised to follow the below diversion route, which is not symbol led
- From the M1 J13 take Bedford Road northbound towards Ampthill/Ridgmont.
- Travel northbound on Bedford Road for approximately 7 miles, continuing as it transitions into Woburn Road and passing through Brogborough and Marston Moretaine, to the Marsh Leys junction roundabout with the A6/A421.
- From here you can re-join the A421 to continue your journey.
Traffic wishing to travel southbound is advised to follow the below diversion route, which is not symbol led:
- Exit the A421 southbound at the Marsh Leys junction with the A6 for Northampton
- At the roundabout take the 2nd exit onto Woburn road southbound towards Wootton
Continue southbound on Woburn Road for approximately 7 miles, continuing as it transitions into Bedford Road and passing through Marston Moretaine and Brogborough to reach J13 of the M1. - From here road users can continue their journey.
Notes to Editors
National Highways is the wholly government-owned company responsible for modernising, maintaining and operating England’s motorways and major A roads.
Real-time traffic information for England’s motorways and major A roads is available via the Traffic England website, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps. Local Twitter services are also available.
For further information please contact National Highways' press office (24hrs) on 0844 693 1448 and select the most appropriate option:
Option 1: National enquiries (9am to 5.30pm) and out of hours for urgent enquiriesOption 2: North West (9am to 5.30pm)Option 3: Yorkshire and North East (9am to 5.30pm)Option 4: West Midlands (9am to 5.30pm)Option 5: East Midlands (9am to 5.30pm)Option 6: East (9am to 5.30pm)Option 7: South East (9am to 5.30pm)Option 8: South West (9am to 5.30pm)
