Start date for £507m road scheme

The A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements scheme is set for full construction, after a lengthy legal challenge.

National Highways is now working toward full construction for its A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements scheme, after a legal challenge halted development. 

Transport Action Network (TAN) challenged the government’s decision to approve the £507 million scheme in 2022 over concerns it would undermine local and regional efforts to combat climate change. 

The challenge was refused by the Court of Appeal last week, and construction is set begin by the end of the year, with the road expected to open by 2027.

Full scope 

Skanska won the contract for the scheme in 2021, and the Government granted planning permission in 2022. 

The firm will construct a dual-carriageway that will link the A1 Black Cat roundabout in Bedfordshire to the A428 Caxton Gibbet roundabout in Cambridgeshire. 

Both existing roundabouts will be upgraded to free-flowing junctions with a new junction added at Cambridge Road.

These developments aim to reduce congestion and improve the link between Milton Keynes and Cambridge. 

Skanska is working with design partner, Mott Macdonald, throughout the delivery of this scheme. 

Local commitment

National Highways will continue preparatory works, this includes archeology, environmental surveys, and diverting utilities. 

The company is working closely with local authorities, parish councils and community groups to reduce disruption and priortise the needs of road users. 

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