Undated handout photo issued by Lee Elliot of a general view of the flooding on the A421 in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire, on Tuesday. 35 flood warnings are in place across England on Tuesday morning. Parts of Bedfordshire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and Northamptonshire saw more than 100mm of rain in the last 48 hours. Issue date: Tuesday September 24, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story WEATHER Rain. Photo credit should read: Lee Elliot /PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
The A421 is still flooded three days later (Picture: Lee Elliot /PA Wire)

Three days after torrential rain there are still flood warnings in place which could cause trouble for commuters this morning.

The A421 in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire is still blocked for the third day in a row due to major flooding of the road – and National Highways don’t know when the road could be reopened.

An official diversion route has been put in place and drivers are being warned to expect delays in the area.

Across England there are 31 flood warnings and 55 flood alerts in place following heavy rain on Sunday and Monday, mainly affecting central England.

The flooding is having an impact on the railway too, with lines blocked between Banbury and Bicester North due to flood water which is affecting trains between Birmingham and London Marylebone.


Delays between Banbury and Bicester North expected until mid-morning

Trains are having to run at a reduced speed on all lines and National Rail warns they could be delayed by up to 20 minutes.

It’s affecting all Chiltern Railways trains between Birmingham Snow Hill, Birmingham Moor Street and Banbury towards London Marylebone.

Ticket acceptance is in place on these alternative services:

  • Avanti West Coast between Birmingham New Street and London Euston
  • CrossCountry between Leamington Spa and Reading
  • Great Western Railway between Banbury and London Paddington

Official A421 diversion route


The A421 in Bedfordshire is closed in both directions between the A6 (Bedford) & M1 J13 (Brogborough) due to flooding. Following spells of torrential rain flooding occurred at Marston Moretaine on the evening of Sunday 22 September with water levels of up eight feet recorded. This has severely impacted efforts to clear floodwater from the carriageway. National Highways service providers continue to work at scene and at present a number of articulated tankers and pumping equipment are in use as efforts to clear the road continue. At this time it is expected the the A421 will remain closed today; at this stage we cannot provide a timeline for the road to reopen. Three vehicles that have been abandoned in the flooded section will also need to be recovered before the carriageway can be fully re-opened.
The road is completely blocked by flooding (Picture: National Highways)

Northbound diversion

  • From the M1 J13 take Bedford Road northbound towards Ampthill/Ridgmont.
  • Travel northbound on Bedford Road for approximately 7 miles, continuing as it transitions into Woburn Road and passing through Brogborough and Marston Moretaine, to the Marsh Leys junction roundabout with the A6/A421.
  • From here you can re-join the A421 to continue your journey.

Southbound diversion

  • Exit the A421 southboud at the Marsh Leys junction with the A6 for Northampton
  • At the roundabout take the 2nd exit onto Woburn road southbound towards Wootton
  • Continue southbound on Woburn Road for approximately 7 miles, continuing as it transitions into Bedford Road and passing through Marston Moretaine and Brogborough to reach J13 of the M1.
  • From here road users can continue their journey.

Flood warnings in place today

Take care while travelling if you’re in any of the affected areas.


METRO GRAPHICS flood warnings 25.09 (Picture: Metro.co.uk)
The flood warnings are focused on central England (Picture: Metro Graphics)


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