Home > A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvement scheme moves a step closer

A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvement scheme moves a step closer

February 21, 2022

  • Huntingdonshire
  • Member News

Plans to transform one of the busiest road links in the East of England moved a step closer as the Examining Authority’s examination period has formally closed.

National Highways proposals will be a brand new 10-mile dual carriageway linking the A1 Black Cat roundabout in Bedfordshire to the new A428 Caxton Gibbet roundabout in Cambridgeshire. Both existing roundabouts will also be upgraded to modern, free-flowing junctions with a new junction at Cambridge Road, improving access to St Neots town centre and train station.

The new dual carriageway will replace the only remaining section of single carriageway on the strategic road network between Milton Keynes and Cambridge, helping to tackle one of the region’s most notorious congestion hot spots.

Lee Galloway, A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements Project Director, said: “Our proposals for the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements will make a real difference to people’s lives, helping them to save up to an hour-and-a-half on their journeys every week. The upgrade will also help connect local communities, reduce rat running on local roads, and provide a better economic link between Milton Keynes and Cambridge.

“People’s input has been essential in getting us to this stage, and the team has been working hard to answer all the questions raised in the examination period. We look forward to moving onto the next stage of the project and eagerly await the outcome of the Secretary of State’s decision later this year.”

Over the next three months the Examining Authority (appointed by the Planning Inspectorate), who have been scrutinising the scheme during its formal public examination, will carefully consider all evidence they’ve heard including the many questions and representations from public, local authorities and interested parties.

The Examining Authority will then make a recommendation to the Secretary of State for Transport as to whether to grant formal planning permission – a development consent order – for construction to begin.

Following receipt of the Examining Authority’s Recommendation Report, the Secretary of State has a further three months to make a final decision on whether to grant or refuse development consent. It’s expected a decision will be made before the end of the summer.

During this time National Highways will continue to work closely with communities, local authorities, parish councils and interested parties along the route of the proposed scheme.

For the latest information about the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements: