A key route across Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire is benefitting from a new scheme which will make the road safer for drivers and those living nearby.

Work started today (Monday 27 January) on improvements to the A5 designed to cut road traffic collisions as National Highways works to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on the country’s motorways and major A-roads.

The safety scheme features the installation of seven new average speed safety cameras and associated signage along a five-mile section of the A5 between Thorn Roundabout, near Dunstable and Little Brickhill, on the outskirts of Milton Keynes.

As part of the improvements, sections of the road will have their speed limit reduced from 60mph to 50mph.

Work on the £2.1m project is expected to be completed by summer 2025.

National Highways Project Manager Niamh McGrath said: “Safety is, and will always be, our number one priority, and we understand how important improved safety is to those who use this route as well as those who live nearby.

“Collision data shows the A5 is a high-risk A-road in the region. Our work has identified sections where we believe safety improvements can be made. These changes to the speed limit will reduce the frequency and severity of collisions which helps keep traffic flowing and creates safer roads for everyone.”

To minimise disruption to road users the works will primarily be carried out on weekday nights, usually between 8pm – 6am, although some weekend works may also be required. During overnight works drivers should allow more time to complete their journey.

Traffic travelling northbound on the A5 will be diverted at Watling Roundabout onto the A505/A4146 before rejoining the A5 at Kelly’s Kitchen Roundabout. Traffic travelling southbound will follow the same route, but in reverse.

Pic: National Highways