£148,000 UKSPF Funding boosts road safety, accessibility and flood resilience
Monday, 16 March 2026
Safer pavements, clearer road markings and new flood technology – £148,000 of upgrades are helping keep Central Bedfordshire’s roads open and accessible.
We have recently delivered a package of targeted highway improvements funded through £148,000 of government grants from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) to keep roads safe, accessible and open during severe weather.
The investment has supported twelve high‑impact upgrades on high‑street routes, including kerb improvements, new bollards to prevent pavement parking, refreshed road markings and resurfaced footpaths to reduce slips and pooling. These measures are already making everyday trips safer for pedestrians, pram users, wheelchair users and mobility‑scooter users while supporting the vitality of local town centres.
At the same time, the council has rolled out new flood‑mitigation technology at known hotspots, including telemetry‑triggered warning signs, upgraded pumps and manual flood‑closure gates. These improvements provide earlier alerts, quicker response times, and better protection of key routes during heavy rainfall.
Cllr. Tracey Wye, Chair of the Partnership Group, said: “These small but important interventions are making our town centres safer and more accessible for all, while new smart flood‑management technology is helping to reduce disruption during severe weather. By investing in smart systems, upgraded pumps and clear flood‑closure measures, we’re ensuring residents and road users receive faster warnings, safer travel routes and a more resilient highway network.”
Campton Subway, Upgrade of existing automated pump sites to provide real-time monitoring and fault communication
These works form part of a wider UKSPF Programme delivering infrastructure upgrades, business support, skills development and community engagement projects to strengthen local communities and economies. Together, these measures are designed to strengthen local economies, boost prosperity and improve quality of life for residents.
To find out more about UKSPF visit our page UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund.