A5 Little Brickhill to Hockliffe – safety improvements
We recently wrote to you about safety work we’re doing on the A5 between Little Brickhill to Thorn Roundabout.
We wanted to let you know about some changes to the diversions and road closures since we contacted you. The latest dates are detailed in the table below.
As a reminder about our work, following a successful statutory process, we’re reducing the speed limit on the following sections of the A5:
Section 1 – between Little Brickhill and Hockliffe will change from the National Speed Limit of 60mph to 50mph
Section 2 – between Hockliffe and Thorn Roundabout will change from the National Speed Limit of 60mph to 50mph
The decision to make these speed limit changes was based on collision and risk assessment data. The changes aim to improve safety for all road users by reducing the number of people harmed on this route.
Our work includes installing speed limit signs and seven new variable speed cameras to enforce the new speed limits. We are not responsible for the enforcement of speed limits; that responsibility lies with the relevant police force.
Worked has started and will last until early summer 2025. We are working between 8pm and 6am on weeknights and some weekends, weather permitting.
Closures and diversions
To carry out the work safely, we will need to close the A5, and divert traffic as detailed below:
| Closure | Dates | Diversion |
| A5 Little Brickhill to Thorn Roundabout | Monday 3 to Friday 7 February | Traffic signals will be in place |
| A5 Little Brickhill to Thorn Roundabout in both directions | Monday 10 to Friday 28 March (weeknights only) | Traffic travelling northbound on the A5 will be diverted off at Watling Roundabout onto the A505/A4146, before rejoining the A5 at Kelly’s Kitchen Roundabout. Traffic travelling southbound will follow the same diversion as above, but in reverse. |
| A5 Little Brickhill to Thorn Roundabout in both directions | April to late May (weeknights only) | Updates will be provided closer to the time |
Laybys between Kelly’s Kitchen in Milton Keynes and Thorn roundabout along the A5 will be closed 24/7 while we introduce the speed limit reduction and install the new variable speed cameras. A map of the diversions can be found below.
How to find out more
Please visit our dedicated webpage which will be updated regularly throughout the works or alternatively sign up for updates here: https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/east/safety-schemes-in-the-east-region/
Other work in the area
While we are installing new speed cameras on the A5, work will also take place on the M1. We are co-ordinating these closures on the A5 with the team working on the M1 between junction 10 to 13, to reduce delays to your journey.
There are safety upgrades on the M1 between junctions 10 (Luton Airport) and 13 (Milton Keynes South/Bedford). The M1 work involves installing new CCTV cameras, Motorway Incident Detection and Automatic Signalling (MIDAS) and repairing variable message signs, which are used to assist with the management of traffic on the motorway. You can find out more about the planned M1 road closures in Bedfordshire at: www.nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/east/m1-junctions-10-to-13-enhancements
We are also working with the A5 Stoney Stratford to Portway Concrete surface repairs and maintenance team, who have a local diversion in place. You can find out more about the planned A5 Stoney works here: https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/east/a5-stony-stratford-to-portway-concrete-surface-repairs-and-maintenance/
Yours faithfully
Project Manager
Operations East, Scheme Delivery Team
