Road closures ahead for Biggleswade's Hitchin Street as Anglian Water installs new pipes
Hitchin Street in Biggleswade is facing a series of road closures as Anglian Water starts work on a £7.9million project to install new pipes.
The company says the work will help reduce bursts and future-proof supplies for decades to come.
The programme also includes upgrades to the water recycling centre to improve the quality of water returned to the River Ivel.
But it means that Hitchin Street will need to close in sections starting from June 8.
Since 2005 the water pipes along the road have burst 29 times – meaning low pressure or loss of water supply for some customers.
It says the pipes have reached the end of their useful life, and must now be replaced.
Work to install the new pipework is already under way, starting near the business park. The work will move along the road in sections, progressing towards the Saffron Road and Teal Road junction as the project continues.
If everything runs smoothly, it is expected to be completed by the end of September.
Traffic lights have been in place on Hitchin Street from April 27 – but road closures are now needed, starting with the section between Brunel Drive and Windmill View roundabouts.
| WHERE? | WHAT? | WHEN? |
| Hitchin Street | No access for HGVs at any time | Ongoing until the end of September |
| Brunel Drive roundabout | Traffic lights | Ongoing until June 8 |
| Hitchin Street between Brunel Drive roundabout and Windmill View roundabout | Road closure (map) | June 8 - 15 |
| Windmill View roundabout | Traffic lights (part 1 map, part 2 map) | June 8 - 15 |
| Hitchin Street to before Berkley Close | Road closure (map) | June 15 - 22 |
| Berkley Close to just past South View | Road closure (map) | June 22 - 29 |
| Just past South View to Teal Road | Road closure (map) | June 29 - July 15 |
| Teal Road/Saffron Road junction | Road and lane closure (map) | July 15 - 17 |
| Teal Road/Saffron Road junction | Traffic lights, road and lane closures (map) | July 17 - 22 |
| Hitchin Street past Teal Road/Saffron Road Junction | Road closure (map) | TBC |
| Langford Road and Hitchin Street | Speed limit change to 30mph | Ongoing until the end of September |
Matthew Newbold, customer experience specialist for the project, said: “We’re building for better in our region, with a £348 million investment over the next five years to renew more than 1,100 kilometres of water pipes across the East of England. We’re focusing on the pipes that need it most to help reduce leaks and keep water supplies reliable for the future.
“To carry out this work safely, most of it will take place under road closures. If you live within the closure, you’ll still be able to get to your home, although there may be short waits while we make it safe for vehicles to pass. Anyone travelling through the area will need to follow the clearly signposted official diversion route.
“We know this can be disruptive, especially for people who rely on buses, so we’ve worked with Grant Palmer to support an alternative route south of Biggleswade bus station, helping make sure residents from Langford, Henlow and Hitchin can still make essential journeys to Bedford College and Hospital. Thanks to everyone in Biggleswade for bearing with us while we carry out this important work.”
Customers’ water and sewerage services shouldn’t be affected – but advance warning will be given if Anglian Water needs to turn off the supply at any time.
This work follows the driest spring and summer since 1976, with the warmest summer on record for the UK. This meant the majority of Anglian Water’s water resources were at low levels heading into the 2025/26 winter.
However, due to several wet months and careful management, the company has been able to capture and store more rainfall, and most sources are now back to normal levels.