A428: Next steps for Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet as legal process ends

It comes after the Court of Appeal refused Transport Action Network’s (TAN) application to appeal the refusal of permission for a judicial review of the Secretary of State’s decision to grant the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements a Development Consent Order (formal planning permission).

With the legal process now over, National Highways will begin putting plans in place for the start of main construction on the scheme.

READ MORE: A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet legal challenge refused

Lee Galloway, project director, said: “This is a major milestone for the project and moves us a step closer to starting construction on the much needed and wanted A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements.

“The scheme will help transform the region, improving journeys between Milton Keynes, Bedford, St Neots and Cambridge by bringing communities together and supporting long-term regional growth.

“We’ll now start putting plans in motion that will see the start of main construction on the project begin by the end of the year, subject to governance approvals.”

National Highways will continue with preparatory works ahead of the beginning of full construction including archaeology, environmental surveys and diverting utilities.

Lee added: “As we move towards construction, we want to minimise the disruption for motorists and people who live nearby, which is why we’ll continue to work closely with local authorities, parish councils, and community groups.”

National Highways plans will see the creation of a new 10-mile dual carriageway linking the A1 Black Cat roundabout in Bedfordshire to the A428 Caxton Gibbet roundabout on the A428 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 scheme is expected to open to traffic in 2027.