A421 in Bedfordshire could be closed 'for weeks' as diversion route put in place

The A421 remains closed after heavy flooding
-Credit: (Image: National Highways)


The A421 in Bedfordshire remains closed with a diversion route in place as a National Highways spokesperson said the road could be closed "for weeks". The road has been closed in both directions between the A6 at Bedford to M1 junction 13 near Brogborough/Marston Moretaine since Sunday (September 22) following major flooding.

A National Highways spokesperson said more than 10 million litres of water had been removed – after an estimated 60 million litres flooded the road. At its peak, the flooding was eight feet deep and 25 tankers have been used to tackle it.

Martin Fellows, Regional Director for National Highways in the East of England, said the road could be closed for weeks. He said: "The torrential weather experienced in this part of the country meant over a month's rainfall fell in less than 48 hours.

"That overwhelmed the area and, for the first time we've experienced, flooded a nearby pumping station hampering our ability to deal with this. This is an absolute priority as we don't want people's journeys impacted by disruption and all our efforts are focused on resolving this and getting the road open as soon as it is safe to do so.

"Given the ground conditions are so wet and we are having to transport the floodwater away from the immediate area and along pipework over 4km in distance, it’s important people realise the size of the task and this could take a number of days to resolve. I understand that people are curious and want to visit the scene but I would kindly request that members of the public continue to support us by staying away from the area so our work to tackle this issue can continue to progress at pace."

A421 diversion route

Traffic travelling northbound should follow the below route:

  1. From the M1 J13 take Bedford Road northbound towards Ampthill/Ridgmont

  2. Travel northbound on Bedford Road for approximately seven miles, continuing as it transitions into Woburn Road and passing through Brogborough and Marston Moretaine, to the Marsh Leys junction roundabout with the A6/A421

  3. Re-join the A421 to continue your journey

Traffic travelling southbound should follow the below route:

  1. Exit the A421 southbound at the Marsh Leys junction with the A6 for Northampton

  2. At the roundabout take the 2nd exit onto Woburn road southbound towards Wootton

  3. Continue southbound on Woburn Road for approximately 7 miles, continuing as it transitions into Bedford Road and passing through Marston Moretaine and Brogborough to reach J13 of the M1

  4. From here road users can continue their journey