Construction of the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements scheme remains delayed despite a High Court judge refusing a legal challenge requesting permission for a judicial review.

Transport Action Network (TAN) submitted an application to the High Court for permission for a judicial review of the Secretary of State's decision to grant the A428 Development Consent Order in October 2022.

The permission for a judicial review was recently refused by a High Court Judge, but construction still cannot commence as TAN have now requested that its application be heard at a High Court oral hearing.

A spokesperson for National Highways said: "While this is positive news, the legal process is not complete.

"We appreciate that these improvements are much needed and wanted by local people, motorists, and businesses, so we understand this is a frustrating time for those who recognise the importance of this scheme.

 "While we are naturally disappointed that we have had to postpone the start of construction on the scheme, it's important we respect the ongoing legal process."

National Highways added that the High Court does not publish timescales and is awaiting a date for the oral hearing.

READ MORE: A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet Project construction delayed by legal challenge

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What is the scheme?

National Highway's project plans to help transform the region, improving journeys between Milton Keynes, Bedford, St Neots and Cambridge.

National Highways' scheme will see a new 10-mile dual carriageway built, linking the A1 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. 

Construction for the scheme was initially planned to start in December but was delayed by TAN's legal challenge.

The road sustainability group had challenged the grounds to grant permission to commence construction on the A428 project on three grounds - biodiversity, need for the scheme and climate change.

However, the High Court judge reviewed the application and refused permission for a judicial review on all three grounds.

The spokesperson added: "As this is an ongoing legal case we are not able to provide any further information but are continuing to assess the impact and will provide further updates as soon as possible."