National Highways has outlined the next steps for the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements after legal proceedings against the scheme came to an end.

On Thursday 18 May, the Court of Appeal, which is the highest court within the senior courts of England and Wales, 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.

Lee Galloway, Project Director – A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements, 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.”

The A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements will help transform the region, improving journeys between Milton Keynes, Bedford, and Cambridge.

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 improvements will help drivers save up to an hour-and-a-half on their journeys every week.

The scheme is expected to open to traffic in 2027.