Universal Studios United Kingdom is set to be a major catalyst for local infrastructure projects in and around the area of the park in Bedfordshire.
According to a recent letter sent to residents (thanks, New Civil Engineer), Comcast has doubled down on the importance of upgrades to local infrastructure, stating the park would work for expanding Wixams railway station as well as for adding direct slip roads from the A421 to the park for accommodating the sea of road traffic, and upgrading Manor Road that runs by the site.
Bedford Borough Council had previously noted that they have been working with Universal on such issues, including the issue of road flooding on the A421, and that the council has a key role to play alongside the government, according to its Chief Executive.
In addition, the leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, Adam Zerny, has weighed in and is looking for both the UK Government and Comcast to deliver even more than the above, including improvements to Junction 13 of the M1 motorway that serves as an exit for Bedford and Milton Keynes South.
He has told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (via the Bedford Independent) that ‘Junction 13 does need to be sorted out, and we also believe the roundabouts should be removed from the A1 to improve the flow of traffic. We will be pushing the government for solutions.’
In addition, Zerny noted that Universal is ‘well-aware’ of the infrastructure required, and that he would continue to ‘lobby the government’ for what is needed for the area.
The UK Government is expected to run a full public consultation on the plans later this year, while Universal also expect for their planning permission document to be submitted to the relevant authorities in the next couple of months, as outlined in their century of plans for the Bedford park.
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