A £5.6million scheme to cut congestion on the A1 at the Black Cat roundabout near St Neots starts on Monday (June 23).

The project will take about six months to complete but, at least to begin with, should not add to the queues of traffic that hamper the junction at peak times (and many other times of the day).

The work involves building a new road alignment that will widen the existing roundabout as well as new safety fencing, improved drainage, new surfacing on the roundabout and the installation of traffic lights.

The Highways Agency, which is responsible for the project, said work will take place between 7.30am and 5.30pm, Monday to Friday and will not include any restrictions to traffic until September as the work will take place the land adjacent the junction.

However, later in the year some lanes will be narrowed and there will be some night-time closures and diversions – details will be released nearer the time.

Highways Agency project manager Steve Davy said: “This is great news for drivers travelling on the A1 and the A421 in Bedfordshire. We’re well aware what a busy location this is and that is the very reason we’re carrying out this important pinch point project.

“It will have a positive impact on drivers using this important junction. Once complete, the scheme will cut congestion and reduce journey times, and improve safety for drivers using this junction.”