Clophill roundabout scheme frequently asked questions
What are the plans?
The Clophill roundabout is a notoriously busy junction, particularly at peak times. The improved roundabout will ease congestion and offer journey time savings along the A6 and A507.
Less congestion should improve air quality and improve road safety too.
It will provide more capacity to meet current and future demand and will support business, new development and improve access to jobs.
It will enhance walking and cycling routes to encourage more active travel and healthier lifestyles and provide more accessible pedestrian crossing facilities.
We also plan a series of additional road improvements close by such as further resurfacing works. Doing these required works at the same time as this scheme will mean less disruption in the future.
This proposed work should make the area more attractive and improve the quality of life for Central Bedfordshire residents as many use this route and will benefit once the scheme is complete.
See the flythrough below:
How can you find out more about the proposed scheme?
We will provide progress updates on the website and through social media.
We will hold events in the local community to let people and businesses know about the plans and how they will benefit and will keep sharing information with residents, the parish councils and ward members during the works.
We will display road signage about the planned works too.
When will work start and finish?
Work on the proposed scheme will start in February 2023 and take about a year to complete.
How is it being funded?
We secured £6.8 million from the government’s Levelling Up Fund to make it possible. We're contributing to this infrastructure project from our capital budget.
How much disruption will there be?
This proposed scheme is a big and important improvement project. To carry out works safely will mean some disruption. However, we will keep this to a minimum making sure road users and local people are notified in advance of any required traffic management.
To all road users - please can you ensure when approaching the roundabout that you DO NOT jump the red lights as this will cause further delays as the traffic lights will need to be reset, which takes about five minutes.
Please take into consideration other road users on the roundabout to ensure that people using the other arms of the roundabout give clear access for other vehicles to pass and keep the traffic flowing.
Will there be road closures or diversions?
There will be limited road closures and therefore diversions. We will endeavour to keep these to a minimum and overnight but there may be occasions when we will have to implement closures. If we do, we will keep the public informed.
The latest information is on our works update page
Can we see the diversions and traffic management plans?
We have included the planned diversion routes for the main traffic management plans as individual pages available at Clophill roundabout improvements main page. More information is on our works update page which will include when any of these diversions will be required.
What are you doing to deter rat running through local villages?
We will have a number of mitigations in place which are highlighted below. Road signs will inform road users. We will also monitor and review traffic in the area.
- No right turn onto Ampthill Road from A507 (between 7:30 to 9.30am and from 4.30 to 7.30pm)
- No right turn onto A507 from the side road (from Maulden) and no left turn onto the side road (towards Maulden) from A507 (between 7:30 and 9.30am and from 4.30 to 7.30pm)
- No right turn onto The Causeway from A507 (between 7:30 and 9.30am and from 4.30 to 7.30pm) and no right turn onto A507 from The Causeway
- No right turn onto A507 from Warren Lane
- No left turn onto Back Street from A6 southbound (between 7:30 and 9.30am and from 4.30 to 7.30pm)
Will journeys to work be affected?
We will keep disruption to a minimum. However, you may need to allow more time to get to your destination during the proposed works.
Will businesses have to close while the work is being done?
Businesses will be able to stay open during the works. We will keep them informed about any works that may impact on them.
What about noise?
It is a busy route with plenty of traffic noise. Given the machinery we will have to use will mean some additional noise at certain times. We will carry out work during the day unless evening work is better for certain phases of work to minimise disruption.
We will let people know about works through our communication channels.
Are you removing trees?
The design has been carefully considered and is being sensitively managed to have the minimum impact on the environment, however, to create the space needed for the improvements some vegetation will need clearing.
Together with Octavius, our construction partner, we will look to replace at least twice the amount of habitat we need to remove for this scheme. This will be in the form of new native shrubs and trees to support biodiversity. This will mean a net gain in vegetation and highlights our commitment to sustainability.
Are you planning to remove the footbridge?
We have now decided to retain the footbridge. Further information is available on The Plans page
How will people cross the road?
Three new signalised toucan crossings will be provided for pedestrians and cyclists. These are ground level crossings which are more accessible for people with mobility issues.
You plan to make it a dual carriageway. Will that increase the risk?
Congestion is a major factor leading to incidents so easing congestion should help with road safety. Better walkways and cycle routes and new dedicated pedestrian crossings are planned. Increasing the lanes on entry and exit aids the amount of traffic that can use the roundabout thus easing congestion.
We plan to reduce the speed limit on the approaches to the junction to 30mph with appropriate signage and street lighting.
What about potential flooding?
We plan to introduce various drainage measures to help alleviate the potential flooding risk.
Why do you plan to make The Green one way and change the junction?
This will be additional work to the main scheme. We will look to resurface the High Street and make it a section of The Green one-way to help with traffic flows and again reduce congestion.
The introduction of the one-way movement will assist buses when using the route.
What will happen to the laybys?
We will need to remove the laybys to widen the highway. The dualling of the entry and exit points to the roundabout will help create greater capacity, which reduces congestion and cuts journey times.
There are other laybys for road users to take a break along the route.
What about the footpath from the mobile home park to the village?
We will maintain this access and enhance the footpath as part of the works. A new toucan crossing will be installed close to the mobile home park.
To keep updated with the traffic management plans and required road closures please sign up for our e-bulletin below.