Local MP warns M1 junction needs upgrading before Universal Studios opens
Blake Stephenson MP says the junction is already "chaos"
A new campaign is calling on the Government to upgrade Junction 13 of the M1 before Universal Studios opens in Bedfordshire in 2031.
Mid Bedfordshire MP Blake Stephenson and local councillor Sue Clark have launched a petition calling for improvements to the junction, which they say is already regularly congested.
Mr Stephenson said the junction is “pretty much chaos on a daily basis” and is “frankly not fit for purpose”.
He said the expected arrival of millions of visitors to Universal Studios, alongside thousands of new homes and other developments in the area, would put further pressure on the road network.
The Marston Vale is expected to see around 5,000 new homes, while construction is also planned for East West Rail.
The Department for Transport says National Highways is "exploring" improvements at Junction 13 as part of future investment plans.
Mr Stephenson said Universal would be “a game changer” for the local economy, but warned the infrastructure needed to support the development must be in place before the theme park opens.
He said: “I think we’ve got to get ahead of that, and the Government could support us by an upgrade to Junction 13.”
The Conservative MP said he had repeatedly raised the issue with ministers in Parliament and during Westminster Hall debates, but claimed there was still no firm commitment to upgrade the junction.
He said there was a risk that improvements could come after Universal had opened, when congestion had already worsened.
“I don't want to be here after Universal's opened, looking at the chaos on the road, telling the Government I told them so.
“There's an opportunity for them to get ahead of it and deal with it now,” Mr Stephenson said.
Sue Clark, chair of the Mid Bedfordshire Conservatives and councillor for the Cranfield and Marston Moreteine ward, said: “Many people believe the £1.3bn promised by the Government for local infrastructure as part of the Universal deal includes upgrading J13. It does not.”
She added: “With the exceptional amount of development planned for our area, and millions of visitors expected to visit Universal via J13, it is vital J13 is upgraded before Universal opens.”
A DfT spokesperson said: “To help local roads cope with visitors to Universal Studios, we are investing in three new slip roads from the A421 and a new railway station at Wixams.
“National Highways is also exploring improvements at M1 Junction 13 as part of future investment plans.”