Major scheme to improve Dame Alice Street
A major roadworks scheme to resurface and improve Dame Alice
Street starts on Tuesday 10th April and will last for 7
weeks.
A number of serious issues must be addressed immediately in
order to guarantee the safety of all road users. These works
include a complete replacement of the current signalling equipment,
significant improvements to drainage systems, new cycleways as well
as resurfacing of the western part of Dame Alice Street and the
junction with Harpur Street. In order to minimise disruption, these
works will be done during this single period, instead of repeatedly
returning to the road.
This means the western two-way section of Dame Alice Street will
be closed, 24 hours a day to eastbound traffic (heading towards the
High Street and The Broadway). It will remain open to westbound
traffic (heading towards Bromham Road and away from the town
centre) although lane restrictions may be in place at some times.
Eastbound traffic will be diverted along Union Street and Tavistock
Street.
It will be necessary to completely close this section of the
road in both directions on the weekend of the 19th and 20th May. A
second closure may be necessary the following weekend of the 26th
and 27th May.
Councillor Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for the Environment
and Transport, said: “These are vital works which will
significantly improve this important road to ensure it can continue
to be used for many years to come.
“The traffic signals on the road are completely out of date and
have failed 61 times in the last five years, including nine total
failures. Clearly, this is dangerous for all road users and must be
urgently addressed. These works will completely replace the
signalling equipment, significantly improving the efficiency and
safety of the junctions.
“Surveys have also shown the drainage beneath Dame Alice Street
is in serious need of repair and if left to deteriorate further it
will affect the structure of the road. This work will also improve
surface drainage from the road itself and prevent localised
flooding. We are already working with Anglian Water to correct
these issues as promptly as possible.
“I appreciate local drivers will be inconvenienced during this
time but we are carrying out these works together to ensure we do
not need to repeatedly return to the street, which would
undoubtedly cause further inconvenience for local residents and
businesses.”
Local residents and businesses have already been informed of the
works and the Council will continue to speak to all involved to
enable them to minimise the effects of the roadworks.
The works are taking place now to avoid coinciding with future
roadworks on Goldington Road, St Peter’s Street and the gas mains
works planned for Bromham Road. The works have also been scheduled
to finish before the Diamond Jubilee celebrations and Anglian Water
will also be taking this opportunity to repair a leakage under the
carriageway.
Full mapped diversion routes will be made available shortly. The
Council will continue to update residents and businesses on the
progress of the works via their website and the Council Twitter
account, @bedfordtweets.