Eight feet high flood leaves A421 in Bedfordshire closed until Friday

Flooding caused by torrential rain on Sunday evening (September 22) has closed a road in Bedfordshire. The A421 is expected to be shut in both directions between the A6 and junction 13 of the M1 until Friday (September 27).

Water levels of up eight feet were recorded at Marston Moretaine, near the A421, on Sunday. This severely impacted efforts to clear floodwater from the carriageway.

A National Highways spokesperson said: "National Highways is working to pump large amounts of water clear from the junction. Following this operation, there will be abandoned vehicles to recover and an extensive clean-up operation to ensure the road is safe to open."

Read more: The 76 ways Cambridgeshire roads could be improved as new schemes discussed

Read more: 11 Cambridgeshire drivers face prosecution for ignoring sign

National Highways has also provided the following diversion routes:

Traffic wishing to travel northbound

• From the M1, junction 13, take Bedford Road northbound towards Ampthill/Ridgmont

• Travel northbound on Bedford Road for approximately seven miles

• Continue as the road becomes Woburn Road

• Pass 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

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

• At the roundabout, take the second exit onto Woburn Road southbound, towards Wootton

• Continue southbound on Woburn Road for approximately seven miles

• Continue as the road becomes Bedford Road

• Pass through Marston Moretaine and Brogborough to reach junction 13 of the M1

• From here, you can continue your journey.

Further information is available from National Highways here. Its 24/7 contact centre team is also available to provide updated information on 0300 123 5000.