Major road reopens after being shut for two years

The A509 linking Milton Keynes and Newport Pagnell was supposed to reopen in September 2024 after a year of closure

A major road has reopened after it had been closed for nearly two years.

Part of the A509 in Milton Keynes was first shut in September 2023 to allow safe access for construction workers to a 5,000-home development, with work expected to last a year.

Milton Keynes Council said the road was reopened to traffic at 05:00 BST.

Jennifer Wilson-Marklew, Labour cabinet member for public realm said: "This is a busy road and we appreciate the impact that any long-term road closure can cause."

She added: "We've worked closely with the developers throughout this process to balance the requirements of this large construction scheme with those of the wider community.

"The road improvements are a key element of the new area being developed here, which will bring 5,000 new properties and employment land to the city."

The A509 is a major road leading off junction 14 of the M1, linking Milton Keynes and Newport Pagnell.

A nearby area of 461 hectares is being built on, with an expected 5,000 new properties as part of a larger development of up to 26,500 new homes around Newport Pagnell and the M1.

Milton Keynes Council said closures were "necessary to allow safe access for development works" and blamed "severe weather conditions" for the delays.

The A509 near Newport Pagnell has been closed for close to two years

Chris Curtis, Labour MP for Milton Keynes North, said: "I know this has been incredibly frustrating for residents but I am pleased to see new road infrastructure prioritised ahead of new developments being moved into.

"I'll be meeting with the developers to discuss how we ensure future stages of the development don't cause this level of disruption again."

Liberal Democrat councillor Jane Carr said: "It's taken far too long. Businesses, residents and commuters have all suffered, but I'm grateful it's finally coming to an end."