Balfour Beatty has started developing a new £38 million road scheme in Central Bedfordshire.

The project involves diverting the Houghton Brook via two bridges and a culvert.

Other features include a sheet piled retaining wall, noise barriers and drainage works along with facilities for cyclists and landscaping.

The 1.8 mile Woodside link road is expected to stimulate investment, reduce congestion and improve air quality in the towns, connecting the Woodside business area to the M1 motorway at the new junction 11a.

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A new proposed 5,600 home development and 30 hectare business district are also set to benefit from the new link road.

Nick Osbourne, Balfour Beatty Regional Director of Operations, said: "The official start of work ceremony by Andrew Jones MP marks a significant step in the delivery of the Woodside Link Road Project alongside Central Bedfordshire Council, a road that will provide an important connection between the Woodside business area and the M1."

Transport Minister, Andrew Jones, added: "This scheme will make it easier for people to access Luton Airport and the M1, providing better journeys for residents and businesses and supporting more housing and jobs."

The new link road is scheduled to open in winter 2016.

(LM)