Over 250 highways improvement schemes are planned for Central Bedfordshire this year
Monday, 24 July 2023
We have released our Highways Annual Plan for 2023/24 which includes over 250 road improvement schemes across Central Bedfordshire.
The schemes include road surfacing enhancements, pavement maintenance, drainage schemes, street lighting upgrades, rights of way and bridge works.
Over 30 schemes relate to road safety improvements, including speed reduction, traffic calming measures, and the provision of disabled parking bays.
We prioritise schemes by looking at the type and condition of the highway asset, such as the road or pavement, as well as the local infrastructure it supports such as emergency services, public transport facilities, education providers, town centres, visitor attractions, and employment hubs.
In addition to carrying out the planned schemes, we will continue to carry out reactive repairs for issues reported online via Fix My Street or identified through its regular inspection routes.
Speaking about the Annual Plan, Councillor Simon Ford, Executive Member for Highways at Central Bedfordshire Council, said:
We know that the state of roads and pavements are two of the biggest issues for those who live or work in Central Bedfordshire. That’s why we’re pleased with our latest Annual Plan which includes a wide range of improvement schemes that will make a real difference to our road and pavement network. This plan builds on the great work our Highways team has already been achieving. Our data-led approach ensures we are making the right improvements, in the right locations, and at the right time. We’re making the best use of resources to look after our roads and keep our residents safe.
In total, the Highways service is responsible for keeping over 1,400km of roads safe. This includes maintaining the road surface and looking after more than 220 bridges and structures, over 23,000 streetlights, and around 50,000 drainage gullies.