28/02/2024 - Emergency, utility and planned works cause disruption on local roads

The council schedules work to improve the roads throughout the year to ensure the least possible amount of disruption to motorists at any one time. However, in addition to the planned works, this week there has been short notice and unexpected emergency closures which has led to challenges on Luton's roads.

Unplanned work this week has included a forced closure on Hucklesby Way due to falling debris on the highway from a nearby building which caused major gridlock. In addition, emergency works have had to take place by utility companies at Oakley Road due to a collapsed sewer, Biscot Road junction at Cromwell Road due to electricity power supply failure and at Marsh and Limbury roads due to a gas leak – all adding major pressure on the highway network.

Cllr Javed Hussain portfolio holder responsible for Highways at Luton Council said, “We manage 480 kms of roads in Luton and this week has been a real challenge as a result of largely unexpected emergency works, which were out of our control. We fully appreciate this exceptional set of circumstances has led to a very frustrating few days for road users. I myself have been caught up in it.

“Although much of this work is out of the council's control and these events have unfortunately all come at one time, we don’t wish to see any more delays to the travelling public than are absolute necessary.

“We really appreciate people’s patience and would like to assure the public that the pressure should start to ease from this weekend”.

For information on road works visit one.network and go to Live Maps.

Detailed information on the current planned and emergency works below:

Carried out by Network Rail

This is an emergency road closure due to an issue with Network Rail’s car park where cladding fell onto the highway. Network’s surveyor is satisfied that the car parks’ panels are now secure and the council’s building control team have now sanctioned the opening of the road, and so the road closure is being lifted.

Carried out by Thames Water

Emergency works due to a collapsed sewer. The work is due to be complete by the 8 March.

Carried out by UK Power Networks

This emergency works is being carried out due to electricity power supply failure. The work is due to be complete by Friday 1 March.

Carried out by UK power networks

These were emergency works due to an electricity failure and were complete on 25 February.

Carried out by Cadent Gas

These emergency works are being carried out due to gas leak. It is anticipated that these works will be complete by this Sunday 3 March.

Carried out by Luton Council

This is safety critical works which was due to be complete before February half term. The teams encountered live electricity and communication cables on site which contributed to the delays.

The section of works will be complete by Friday 1 March.

Carried out by Luton Council

This is safety critical works to replace the parapet on Park Viaduct which was deemed unsafe following a survey.

A lane closure is in place from Crawley Green Road going towards Church Street. The council is also working with UK Power Networks who are decommissioning power supply on the Power Court site.

The works are due to take place until mid April, however the contractor is making good progress with the aim to complete before then.

Carried out by UK Power Networks

Works due to be complete by Friday 1 March.

Carried out by UK Power Networks.

Planned electrical works which should be complete by 7 March.