The A421 forms a key section of the strategic east/west corridor, linking Oxford and Cambridge. The project will widen the congested section between the M1 Junction 13 and Milton Keynes, Magna Park.

The widened carriageway will need two bridges to be extended: the Cranfield Road bridge, plus another footbridge near Hulcote over the A421. The road works for the improvements are anticipated to take 18-24 months.

The Expressway is part of the proposed infrastructure which will help to create opportunities for the wider area to become the UK’s Silicon Valley, delivering growth in science, technology and innovation.

Transport secretary Chris Grayling confirmed the Government would release £22.5m for the road scheme yesterday while visiting Amazon’s distribution centre, which is located in Central Bedfordshire adjacent to where the new road layout will be built.

The upgrade, designed by Jacobs,  will also support the delivery of an estimated 2,900 new homes and up to 2,500 jobs, while existing businesses will benefit from better links to the M1 and the rest of the country.