The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and Bedford Borough Council have signed an agreement that will deliver nearly £5 million funding towards the completion of the Bedford Western Bypass which will join the A428 to the west of Bedford to the A6 north of the town.

The HCA has been working closely with Bedford Borough Council to enable work to start on the final phase of the much needed bypass and the associated homes and employment area.

Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson recently announced his decision to prepare for the compulsory purchase of the relevant land should that be required.

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When complete the second phase of the Bedford bypass will allow 1,200 new homes, including 360 affordable dwellings to be constructed due to the increased infrastructure capacity. The completed bypass will also enable a new employment park providing 650 new jobs and a major county park.

It will also provide extra highway capacity which will help ease the traffic in other parts of the borough, such as the town centre.

Now this agreement is in place it is anticipated that preliminary survey work on the site will get underway in the next few weeks.

The 2.2km Northern Link is a £16.5m project and is anticipated to be complete by 2015.

Mayor Hodgson said: "I am delighted that the Homes and Communities Agency has given this vital support to a major scheme for Bedford. Completion of the bypass will bring huge benefits for the Borough, cutting congestion, improving air quality in the town and helping to provide lasting growth in the local economy.

"The sooner the road is built and in use the better. We look forward to working closely with the HCA to bring the project to fruition as soon as possible."

(CD/GK)