Construction begins on A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements

Published

12 Dec 2023

We were joined by local MPs and the Mayor of Bedford at the Black Cat roundabout as we put the first spades in the ground.

Construction begins on A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements

Today our team was joined by Anthony Browne MP, Richard Fuller MP and the Mayor of Bedford as we put the first spades in the ground to mark the official groundbreaking moment on the much-anticipated A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements.

In a significant milestone for local, regional, and national transport infrastructure, we took the first ceremonial spadefuls of earth today to mark the start of main construction at the A1 Black Cat roundabout.

Lee Galloway, Project Director at National Highways with Mayor Tom Wootton.

Talking about the start of construction on the scheme Lee Galloway - A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvement Project Director - said: “Today marks a pivotal milestone for everyone connected with this much needed and wanted scheme. To get to this point would not have been possible without the dedication of our team, the support of our partners and stakeholders, and the invaluable input from local communities.

“This project is about connecting communities and leaving a positive legacy in the region. Throughout construction, we are committed to bringing the community on the journey with us, minimising disruption, and ensuring that local people and businesses are kept updated on our progress.”

Transport Secretary, Mark Harper said: “I'm delighted we have marked the start of works on the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet project, a huge investment by the government to grow the economy in the region and reduce congestion for drivers.

“This government is backing drivers by investing in much-needed road projects like this, using savings from HS2 to resurface roads across the country, and introducing a long-term Plan for Drivers to slam the brakes on anti-car measures.”

Our plans will see the creation of a new 10-mile dual carriageway linking the A1 and A421 Black Cat roundabout in Bedfordshire to the A428 Caxton Gibbet roundabout in Cambridgeshire. Both existing roundabouts will be upgraded into modern, free-flowing junctions with a new junction added at Cambridge Road, improving access to St Neots and its train station.

The upgrades promise to transform the region by enhancing connectivity, alleviating congestion, and improving road safety. The scheme will improve journeys between Milton Keynes, Bedford, and Cambridge, bringing communities together and supporting long-term growth in the region.

When complete, it will help drivers save up to an hour-and-a-half on their journeys every week. The new dual carriageway will also remove the temptation for drivers to use local roads to avoid delays, removing up to 4000 vehicles from these routes.

The scheme is expected to open to traffic in 2027.

Nicola Bell, Major Projects Director at National Highways with Anthony Browne MP and Richard Fuller MP

"This project highlights National Highways’ commitment to delivering major projects that make lasting impacts for people, communities, and businesses. The start of construction represents a culmination of meticulous planning, collaborative efforts, and a steadfast commitment to enhancing the nation’s infrastructure. We are proud to be part of a project that will lay the foundations for a more resilient and connected future."

Nicola Bell, National Highways Executive Director

Charlotte Horobin, Chief Executive Officer, Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Fostering the A428 development marks a pivotal stride towards unlocking further economic growth in our community. By enhancing connectivity, we unlock opportunities for local businesses, driving productivity, innovation and prosperity across Cambridgeshire.”

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