Clophill roundabout improvements complete
Thursday, 9 May 2024
Improvement works at Clophill Roundabout are complete – and it’s good news whether you use it as a driver, or live locally and get around on foot, or by bike, scooter or wheelchair.
In March 2023, we started work on the improvements to Clophill Roundabout, in partnership with our contractor, Octavius Infrastructure, to help ease congestion, improve road safety, and reduce journey times for motorists. The retained footbridge over the A507 East has been cleared of vegetation and cleaned, making it more user friendly.
The improvements include two lanes on all four approaches and exits to the roundabout, increasing capacity and allowing more vehicles to get through the junction at the same time. Road users will experience shorter journey times, particularly during busy hours. A two-lane section on the southern A6 approach has allowed for the retention of the all-important bridge over the River Flit.
Over 600 trees and 300 shrubs have been planted along with the installation of new drainage and gullies to help reduce flooding. We also installed a new bus shelter on the northern arm of the roundabout and improved another located on The Green in Clophill High Street.
The project incorporates a lowered speed limit of 30mph on the roundabout approaches, and the installation of three new toucan crossings to make it easier and safer to cross. Upgraded footpaths have been installed on all four approaches making it easier for people to walk or bike to school or work, use local shops, and other facilities. The work is expected to give a boost to local businesses and encourage new development initiatives.
As part of the project, local people obtained the skills needed to access employment through apprenticeship schemes, as well as upskilling those already working in the sector with new skills for their future. Employment opportunities were also created within the wider community, including for those who face barriers to employment. The team developed strong relationships with local education providers, offering curriculum support, environmental activities, and paid work placement opportunities.
Councillor Hayley Whitaker, the council’s Deputy Leader, said:
This project, which has been delivered on time, has improved the road layout and should help to ease traffic congestion, increase road safety, and shorten travel times for motorists. It’s just one of the ways we’re investing in our highway infrastructure to benefit residents and businesses across Central Bedfordshire. The new, safer pathways and crossing points for pedestrians and cyclists mean local schools are now more accessible, which is great news, and supports local businesses too as people can get around more easily.
Gavin Pritchard, Managing Director Highways at Octavius Infrastructure, said:
Together with Central Bedfordshire Council, we are pleased to have successfully delivered Clophill's roundabout improvements and new road layout. This provides tangible benefits to the local area and through-traffic in easing congestion, reducing journey times and minimising pollution. Critically this also offers increased safety benefits for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, strongly aligning with our Company values and the goals of the project. This project is a great positive example of the benefits of strong collaboration. From the outset both together with Central Bedfordshire Council and key supply chain partner, Environ Civils, Octavius have worked closely with the Council and local stakeholders to ensure we achieve the required outcomes with minimal disruption. We would like to thank all local residents, the community and visitors to the area for their patience and support whilst we completed this significant project.