Enough to fill 'two Olympic pools' pumped from A421

While 10 tankers have been working to remove the water, it it unknown how much longer the road will remain closed for

Enough water to fill two Olympic sized swimming pools has already been pumped from a major road left severely flooded after persistent rainfall.

The A421 has been shut in both directions between the A6 at Bedford to the M1 junction 13 near Brogborough and Marston Moretaine since Sunday.

It is estimated that 55 to 60 million litres of water is filling a dip on the carriageway underneath the bridge and National Highways said that at its peak the water had been 8ft (2.4m) deep.

Bedfordshire Police said: "We understand the frustration the issue is having for drivers from across the county."

National Highways said 10 tankers have been used so far since the weekend to remove the water.

A roadside pumping station stands completely submerged - and there are three abandoned vehicles under the floodwater.

Bedfordshire Police said it was "important that we do not cause more flooding that further impacts the community"

Bedfordshire Police said on social media that almost five million litres of water had been removed from the road so far.

"Following consultation with partner agencies, including the Environment Agency, we are unable to progress at this point in time due to water levels elsewhere.

"It is important that we do not cause more flooding that further impacts the community."

When the water and abandoned vehicles have been removed as part of the clear up operation, an inspection will be carried out to assess if repair work is needed, the force added.

It said: "We would like to remind everyone to stay away from the site to allow the teams present to focus on the work required as quickly and efficiently as possible."

While a date had not been given for the reopening of the road, the police said motorists should use diversion routes in place and drive safely, allowing extra time for journeys.

The road underneath the bridge has been closed since Sunday

National Highways said the road was likely to remain closed for a "prolonged period".

Martin Fellows, regional director for National Highways in the East, said: "Let me reassure people that we are taking every possible measure we can to alleviate this situation and get the roads open as soon as possible."

Mr Fellows said it was "important people realised the size of the task".

Members of the public have been asked to not travel to the scene and stay away while work continues to resolve the issue.