Essential road repairs completed during lockdown traffic lull
Monday, 18 May 2020
We've been revamping roads across Central Bedfordshire while traffic levels are low during the coronavirus lockdown.
Our highways team has taken advantage of the quieter roads; since the start of the lockdown we've fixed more than 600 repairs including potholes, streetlights and road signs as well as eight re-surfacing schemes.
Work has also been progressing well on the A421 Dualling Scheme, with over 80% of the carriageway works now completed, and it's on track for completion before the winter.
We've also been out and about with our Super-Vac machine, which allows us to clear out drains which would previously require a two-person dig out, to clean and unblock nearly 2,000 gullies.
Work is still underway on a number of lining schemes and traffic calming measures.
We maintain an around-the-clock response for any highways emergencies across our vast, 850-mile, road network, together with a large footpath network and public rights of way.
Councillor Ian Dalgarno, our Executive Member for Community Services, said
Right now our highways teams are working hard to ensure that our key workers can get to work safely, and medicine, equipment and deliveries can get to where it is needed most.
While roads are quieter, we’ve been prioritising essential repairs, such as potholes, lampposts and pavement defects, to ensure that the county’s roads remain safe and serviceable.
There's been a huge amount achieved already, with much more to come, as we have been continuing to plan a programme for the full year ahead.