Diversions, closures and speed restrictions

Check this page regularly for the latest updates on road closures, diversions, and speed restrictions

Diversions, closures and speed restrictions

Current closures

2 to 3 December 2025 - A428 overnight closure

We're resurfacing parts of the A428 carriageway between Caxton Gibbet and Cambourne. 

Closure

We'll close the A428 in both directions between Caxton Gibbet and Cambourne overnight (8pm - 6am) from Tuesday 2 to Wednesday 3 December 2025 

Diversion:

  • head south on the A1198
  • join the A603 towards Cambridge
  • join M11 northbound before re-joining the A428 at J13.

A428 diversion route map.

To improve traffic flow through Black Cat roundabout, we're widening the A421 westbound from one lane to two.

This removes the need for traffic to merge in turn on the roundabout.

Closures

We'll close these stretches of road for the weekend from 9pm Friday 5 to 5am Monday 8 December 2025:

  • A1 northbound between Tempsford and Black Cat roundabout
  • A421 westbound between Black Cat roundabout and Renhold
  • Bedford Road in both directions between Roxton Garden Centre and Black Cat roundabout. 

A421 westbound diversion:

  • travel south on the A1
  • take the A603 towards Bedford
  • re-join the A421 at Cardington interchange

A1 northbound diversion:

  • leave the A1 northbound at Tempsford
  • head north on Barford Road towards St Neots
  • re-join the A1 northbound at Wyboston.

A1 northbound and A421 westbound diversion map.

Works

We're installing new drainage pipes on the A428 between Eltisley and Caxton Gibbet.

Closure

8 to 11 December 2025 - A428 overnight closures (8pm-6am)

We'll close the A428 overnight in both directions between the Eltisley northern roundabout and Caxton Gibbet northern roundabout.

Diversion 

  • at Eltisley, head north on the B1040
  • exit onto A1198 eastbound
  • re-join the A428 at Caxton Gibbet

See A428 diversion route map

Please remember that closures can change at short notice. You can check the latest information on our daily closures page or find live travel information on our Traffic England site. Our travel alerts give details of live incidents on our network.

Long term changes

Black Cat roundabout layout change - 24 November 2025

From Monday 24 November, we'll open new sections of road at Black Cat roundabout, linking with existing road networks. 

A1 southbound

We’re moving the A1 southbound onto a new stretch of road passing under the new east bridge at Black Cat roundabout.

Make sure you’re in the correct lane before you reach the junction:
  • left hand lane for A1 south, A421 or M1
  • right hand lane for A1 north, A421 or M1

A1 northbound

We’re moving the A1 northbound approach onto the new northbound on-slip at Black Cat roundabout.

Make sure you’re in the correct lane before you reach the junction:
  • left hand lane for A421 west and Bedford Road
  • right hand lane for A1 north

Map of Black Cat roundabout layout from November 2025.

Let us know what you think

Use our A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements feedback tool to have your say.

This tool features an interactive map, allowing you to click on specific locations to leave targeted comments or provide general feedback.

ECHO is a one-way feedback tool, so if you'd like a response to your feedback you can email the project team at info@a428.co.uk.

Planning diversions, traffic management and speed limits 

What you can expect to see

The A1, A421, and A428 will mostly stay open while we carry out our work.

There may be some overnight and full weekend closures from time to time. We'll need these for important tasks like:

  • connecting new and existing roads
  • building bridges
  • delivering large pieces of equipment or materials.

We're committed to being a good neighbour. That’s why we’re carefully planning our work to reduce any disruption to drivers and the local community.

Highest safe speed through roadworks

We’ve determined that a temporary speed limit of 40mph is needed to keep both road users and our workers safe.

This reduced speed limit helps junctions function as usual, which means we won’t need to close roads as often

How we choose diversion routes

We're dedicated to ensuring that any traffic diversions around road closures are safe and appropriate. We'll use diversion routes that can handle the type and amount of traffic being redirected.

The diversion routes will mainly follow major A roads to avoid heavy traffic on local streets. We'll work with local authorities to agree on the best routes.

These diversions are required by law, based on the development consent order (similar to our official approval or planning permission).

To minimise disruption, we will manage traffic carefully, providing clear signs and advance warnings to drivers.

 

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