Arlesey Relief Road

The Project

Central Bedfordshire Council funded the construction of a new carriageway aimed to alleviate congestion on the
busy Arlesey High Street, reduce journey times for users heading to the A507, and open up land for residential
development. The new route connects the A507 to Arlesey, crossing a greenfield site, effectively linking the High
Street to the broader road network.

Project Requirments

The project required the creation of a 1.4km single carriageway equipped with cycleways and footways, ensuring
safe and efficient travel for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. This new road incorporated three new roundabouts,
including a significant reconstruction of the A507, to manage traffic flow and improve connectivity. Additionally,
the project required connecting the relief road to the High Street in Arlesey, which involved the challenging task of
realigning existing roads to accommodate the new infrastructure.

Key challenges included navigating the limited access and space on the High Street, necessitating precise planning
and execution. The project also required weekend and night time road closures to minimise disruption to daily traffic.
Coordinated efforts were essential to manage the work across the greenfield site and the existing road network,
ensuring seamless integration of the new and existing infrastructure.

Our Approach

Collaborating closely with the client, the project implemented an innovative value engineering strategy by substituting
conventional asphalt materials with Toppesfield’s ToppBase™ B3 CRBM. This change led to significant cost savings
and reduced carbon emissions by 176,000kg. Of the 12,000 tonnes of material delivered on this project, over 4,000
tonnes of ToppBase™ B3 CRBM were laid. The construction process was meticulously planned and executed to
minimise disruption and ensure timely completion.

Key steps in our approach included:
• Material Selection: Replacing conventional asphalt with ToppBase™ B3 CRBM, resulting in a £96k cost saving and
substantial carbon emission reductions.

• Efficient Planning: Coordinating weekend and night time closures to construct the new roundabout and realign the
A507, ensuring minimal disruption to road users.

• Collaborative Execution: Working closely with subcontractors and managing the supply chain efficiently to meet daily
requirements and to keep the project on track.

Project Success & Community Impact

The successful completion of this project not only eased traffic congestion but also enhanced road safety and
accessibility for cyclists and pedestrians. The strategic use of materials and collaborative efforts among all stakeholders
resulted in a project that met its objectives, was delivered on time, and contributed positively to the community and the
environment.

By adopting innovative construction methods and maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and efficiency, the new
Arlesey Relief Road stands as a testament to effective infrastructure development.