new 10-mile dual carriageway will transform journeys
between Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge
£1 billion government investment to help grow the economy
across the region
funding will back drivers by reducing congestion by up to
an hour and a half every week
Upgrades to the iconic Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet route on the
A428 started today (12 December 2023) following £1 billion of
government investment to reduce congestion and improve journey
times, boosting economic growth across the region.
The £1 billion transformation will create a new 10-mile dual
carriageway and numerous junction improvements, transforming
journeys between the A1 Black Cat roundabout in Bedfordshire and
A428 Caxton Gibbet roundabout in Cambridgeshire. Walkers,
cyclists and horse riders will also enjoy better footpaths and
safer crossing points.
The scheme will help grow the economy across the region and
ensure that jobs in Milton Keynes, Cambridge and everywhere in
between are far more accessible.
Once complete, journeys at peak times are expected to be cut by a
third, saving businesses and road users an average of an hour and
a half over a working week.
In a significant milestone for the project, Transport Minister,
, broke ground on the
project today to mark the main start of construction.
Transport Secretary, , 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.
Nicola Bell, National Highways Executive Director for Major
Projects, said:
It’s a pleasure to welcome Minister Browne to the site this
afternoon for what is a momentous occasion. As we break ground
today, we embark on a journey that will transform transport in
this region, easing congestion, improving connectivity and
fostering economic growth.
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.
Plans from National Highways 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 new dual carriageway will also remove the temptation for
drivers to use local roads to avoid delays, removing up to 4,000
vehicles from these routes. The scheme is expected to open to
traffic in spring 2027.
Lee Galloway, A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements
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 remain an integral part of the process.
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.
