大象传媒

Junction 10A of the M1 has been causing a problem for commuters in the area, with traffic becoming very congested at peak times, particularly since many other road improvements in the area have taken place.

The junction is not actually a motorway junction, but the roundabout near Capability Green and Stockwood Park in Luton, at the end of the spur road that leads from the motorway.

It鈥檚 the main road up to the airport, and improvements are not only needed to ease the current problems but also to deal with the predicted growth of traffic both to the airport and to the many new developments taking place in the Eastern side of Luton.

Congestion

Keith Dove, Transportation Strategy Manager at Luton Borough Council, explained what the problem was:

鈥淭here鈥檚 quite a lot of congestion now鈥� he said, 鈥減articularly since the new road opened up to the airport and also the improvements to Junction 10 on the motorway.

鈥淲e鈥檝e had some consultants who have been looking at alternatives there which included putting traffic signals there and taking the roundabout out, or signalising the existing roundabout, or separation, which is basically where London Road would either go over or under Airport Way and the M1 spur and its slip roads, to connect the two.鈥�

He went onto explain how there were two options being taken to consultation.

鈥淥ne of those uses the existing bridge at Newlands Road which goes underneath the Motorway spur about halfway along鈥� he said, 鈥渁nd the other one involves the construction of a new bridge, probably about halfway between the roundabout and Newlands Road.鈥�

Exhibition

Luton Borough Council and design consultants Scott Wilson will be presenting proposals at an exhibition at the Stockwood Discovery Centre on:

Thursday 16 July (2:00pm-8:00pm),

Friday 17 July (10:00am-8:00pm), and

Saturday 18 July (10:00am-4:00pm).

The exhibition will provide a chance for residents, land owners, businesses and road users to comment and provide feedback directly to staff.

However, a questionnaire and leaflet containing detailed information about the proposals has also been placed at key locations including Luton railway station, Luton Airport Parkway station, the Town Hall and the Mall.

The deadline for completed questionnaires is Tuesday 1 September 2009.