New Bedford Road CYCLOPS junction
A new cycling-friendly junction has been implemented as part of Luton Council’s ongoing work to make it safer and easier for people to travel actively around the town.
Purpose
Working in partnership with Luton Council, VolkerHighways delivered improvements at the junction of New Bedford Road, Kingsdown Avenue and Austin Road to support safer, more accessible active travel. The scheme forms part of the council’s Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), which identifies New Bedford Road as a key route for walking and cycling within the town.
The project was designed to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists while encouraging more sustainable travel choices and supporting the council’s wider ambitions to reduce congestion and improve air quality.
What we did
VolkerHighways transformed the junction into the first CYCLOPS (Cycle Optimised Protected Signals) junction in Luton, creating a layout that allows pedestrians and cyclists to cross safely while remaining separated from vehicle movements.
Works included:
- New pedestrian and cyclist crossing facilities to improve safety and accessibility
- Full replacement of traffic signal equipment to enhance reliability
- Structural protection works over the River Lea culvert
- Installation of new ducting to support future utility upgrades
- Management of road closures, diversions and lane restrictions, delivered in collaboration with VolkerTraffic Management
Project successes
The junction provides a safer, more accessible environment for all users and supports Luton Council’s long-term vision for sustainable travel across the town.
- Delivered the first CYCLOPS junction in Luton, introducing innovative infrastructure that prioritises vulnerable road users
- Improved safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists along a key active travel route
- Future proofed infrastructure, including new ducting to upgrade HV network
- Successfully delivered a complex scheme through close collaboration with Luton Council while maintaining traffic movement through a busy urban junction
“Improving this junction is an important step in making cycling and walking safer and more attractive options for residents. We know New Bedford Road is a busy and well-used route, so it’s vital we get the balance right for all road users. This junction improvement gives us the opportunity to see how the new layout works in practice and to listen to feedback from the community. Encouraging more active travel not only helps us tackle congestion and improve air quality, but also supports our wider ambitions to create a healthier, more sustainable town.”
Cllr Javed Hussain Portfolio holder for Highways at Luton Council
