Universal has announced that Manor Road will be CLOSED to through traffic 24 hours a day from Monday 27th July until Monday 5th October 2026 as part of the ongoing site stabilisation and enabling works for the Universal United Kingdom Resort.
The closure will affect through traffic, with a signed diversion via Woburn Road, the A421 and Ampthill Road.
Looking at the diversion, it is a long way around compared to the normal route. If you regularly travel through the area, allow plenty of extra time. The post also says it is likely the A421 interchange and surrounding roads will become extremely busy, particularly during rush hour, so avoiding the area altogether while these works are taking place is probably a good idea if you can.
One concern highlighted in the post is Broadmead Road. The reopening of Broadmead Road has already been pushed back twice, and if that continues it could create a huge problem for the local community with multiple routes affected at the same time. The post adds the hope that the current reopening date is met.
Good news for rail users: Kempston Hardwick railway station will remain open, with access maintained from the Woburn Road side throughout the closure.
This is a significant closure lasting just over 10 weeks, so it is worth keeping in mind if you live, work or travel around Kempston Hardwick. The author of the post said they will keep an eye on the works and post any updates as they happen. The official diversion map has been attached to the original post so you can see exactly how traffic will be rerouted.
The post also addressed Cllr Graeme Coombes & Cllr. Marc Frost, saying: "I trust you guys will be on the case for Broadmead Road to be re-opened before Manor Road is closed."
