A421 remains closed as tankers try to clear flood

People look at flood water on the A421 in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire
-Credit: (Image: 2024 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)


The A421 in Bedfordshire remains closed tonight (Monday) in both directions. The closure is in place between the A6 for Bedford and the M1 for junction 13 at Brogborough.

Following spells of torrential rain flooding at Marston Moretaine last night (Sunday), water levels of up to 8ft were recorded, according to National Highways. It reports that this has severely impacted efforts to clear floodwater from the carriageway.

A spokesperson said: "National Highways service providers continue to work at scene and at present a number of articulated tankers and pumping equipment are in use as efforts to clear the road continue. At this time it is expected the the A421 will remain closed into tomorrow; At this stage we cannot provide a timeline for the road to reopen.

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"Three vehicles that have been abandoned in the flooded section will also need to be recovered before the carriageway can be fully re-opened."

Diversion routes are in place in both directions. Traffic wishing to travel northbound is advised to follow the below diversion route which is not symbol led:

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

  • Travel northbound on Bedford Road for approximately 7 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.

  • From here you can re-join the A421 to continue your journey.

Traffic wishing to travel southbound is advised to follow the below diversion route which is not symbol led:

  • Exit the A421 southboud at the Marsh Leys junction with the A6 for Northampton

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

  • 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.

  • From here road users can continue their journey