More than £22 million is being invested by the Government to ease traffic congestion in and around Milton Keynes.

The road upgrade scheme is taking place on the A421 and involves widening 3kms of carriageway, including 2.5kms in Central Bedfordshire and 500 metres in Milton Keynes. In addition, Junction 13 of the M1 will be linked with the distribution site at Magna Park.

The upgrade will also support the delivery of 2,900 new homes and up to 2,500 jobs, while existing businesses will benefit from better links to the M1 and the rest of the country.

In addition to the £22.5m Government investment, Central Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes councils are providing £4.6m for the project, with a further £1m coming from South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP).

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Transport Secretary Chris Grayling visited Bedfordshire earlier today, 22 March, to meet Iain Stewart MP and Nadine Dorries MP and to reveal the new investment in the A421.

He said: "Better transport facilities don't just help people get around, they help them get on – connecting them to jobs, opportunities and supporting economic growth.

"This important project will complete the dualling of the A421 between the M1 and Milton Keynes, improving journeys for residents and opening up opportunities for businesses, employment, housing and leisure activities in the area."

Council Leader James Jamieson said: "We are delighted to receive the confirmation of this government funding. The upgraded A421 road will provide future and existing residents with improved infrastructure that will open up opportunities for leisure activities, housing and employment. It will also help take traffic away from local parishes, increase safety, and benefit businesses and commuters."

Works are due to start within weeks and the scheme will be completed in autumn 2019.

(LM/MH)