A6 SOUTH CLOSURE 20th – 30th OCTOBER 2023.

As part of the Clophill roundabout improvements Central Beds Council (CBC) have advised us of a full road closure of the A6 southbound (from the Jet Garage) for 10 days.

This will have a dramatic impact on the amount of traffic using the village during this period. Fortunately, it is during half term, but it will still have a major impact on our roads. 

As you are aware from previous updates from us, we have been requesting mitigation strategies from CBC for over 18 months. We had several meetings with CBC recently and at the time of writing there has been no detailed strategy forthcoming.

Our position has always been to make sure CBC ensure Silsoe is not used as a rat run over the
period of the closure. Following our latest meeting it has become clear neither CBC nor the Police can
force drivers to use ‘official’ diversions. As a consequence, Silsoe may bear the brunt.

At the moment we can’t give you full details of traffic management strategies as CBC are still working
on them.

They have informed us that they will prioritise a diversion via Ampthill Road from the A507 through Newbury Lane and the to the A6. This will most likely mean heavy traffic 24 hours a day down
Newbury Lane coupled with parking suspension on this road.

It is also our belief that traffic will migrate onto the High Street and head out to the A6 on the Barton
Road causing potential gridlock. CBC are still looking into the diversion and some other mitigation strategies, but these are, still unconfirmed.

It is our sincere belief that both the safety of Residents and village life will be seriously
compromised unless sensible traffic management measures are put in place. We have made
this clear to CBC from the start of the project and now we have only a few weeks before work
starts. We will continue our efforts on your behalf, but we would urge Residents to contact
CBC to register your concerns without delay.

Email any enquiries regarding the works to clophill@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

• For general highway enquiries, please contact Central Bedfordshire Council Customer Services (www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/info/27/about_your_council/237/customer_feedback)
• To report any urgent Highways concerns telephone 0300 300 8049

Silsoe Parish Council