United Kingdom – Plans to improve safety and reduce congestion on the A421 between the M1 motorway (Junction 13) at Brogborough and the Bedford Southern Bypass in Bedfordshire will go on public display in Mai 2006. Exhibitions are being held in advance of publication of draft orders in the autumn 2006.

Local residents and road users can view the plans at the Marston Moretaine Pavilion, Bedford Road, Marston Moretaine on Thursday May 11th 2006 from 14:30 BST to 20:00 BST; Friday May 12th 2006 from 10:00 BST to 20:00 BST; and Saturday May 13th 2006 from 10:00 BST to 16:00 BST.

The Highways Agency’s contractor, Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering, consultant, Scott Wilson and the agent Hyder Consulting, will be present to answer questions.

The scheme includes a new eight-mile (12.8km) dual carriageway on the north-west (Wootton) side of the existing A421, improvements to Junction 13 of the M1 motorway, and new two-level junctions at Marston Moretaine and Marsh Leys.

Roy Brunsden, Highways Agency project manager, said: "The exhibitions are being held to give residents and stakeholders the opportunity to view the plans and raise issues.

"The scheme is much needed and will relieve congestion on this busy east-west route, reduce accidents and make life better for local communities. The provision of the two-level junctions would help improve the poor accident record."

Depending on the objections it may be necessary to hold a public inquiry before the scheme can begin. Start of construction is expected in 2008 with the road open to traffic in 2010, subject to a positive outcome for the statutory processes.