Parkside Drive Resurfacing: Traffic Chaos Tonight!

I have just spoken to Jason from Amey, who is running the operation to resurface Parkside Drive, Houghton Regis.

The work started this morning and will continue over the next four days. The times are 08:00 to 18:00.
The area to be resurfaced is from Windsor Drive junction to Westminster Gardens.
Through traffic is being barred from Parkside Drive, although local road access is possible.

Windsor Drive and Parkside Drive are used by traffic as an alternative rush hour route to Park Road North and Sundon Road.

Because of the hours of operation of this resurfacing, this alternative route will be unavailable.

This will mean that for Thursday and Friday evenings, there will be double the amount of traffic converging from Park Road North onto the Chequers roundabout, Houghton Regis.

I don't want to sound alarmist, but this is going to have a significant impact all down Poynters Road and beyond. 

Therefore, traffic aiming for Tithe Farm and Parkside estates would do better by trying to reroute their homeward journeys, either via Luton or Junction 12 of the M1.

I have enquired as to why off-peak resurfacing is not being done. I have been told that that would cost another 25% on the budget, so is unaffordable.

I have enquired about the use of one-way traffic and traffic lights. I have been told that would endanger workmen and equipment, and if equipment is damaged would cost the operation even more.

I have enquired as to the temporary potential opening of the bus link. I have been told that would not be possible as alternative routes must be on same grade routes, shrubbery would need to be cut back, graffiti removed from the road surface as to leave it would make the surface slippery, and to do all that work for short term gain would be inappropriate.

Please don't blame the messenger!