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

16 to 19 January 2026 - A1 southbound weekend closure

Works

We'll be moving the A1 southbound onto a new stretch of road over a newly built culvert.

A culvert is a structure that allows water to pass under a road, preventing flooding and erosion.

Closure

We'll close the A1 southbound between Wyboston and Tempsford from 9pm Friday 16 to 5am Monday 19 January 2026.

Diversion

  • exit A1 southbound at Wyboston junction
  • take A428 towards St Neots
  • join St Neots Road southbound towards Tempsford
  • re-join A1 at Tempsford junction

See A1 southbound weekend closure diversion route map

Works

We'll be installing new street lighting and permanent signage on Roxton Road and Baron Way.

Closure

We'll close Roxton Road and Baron Way overnight (8pm to 6am) from Monday 19 to Friday 24 January 2026.

Diversion

  • join A1 northbound via Black Cat roundabout
  • exit A1 at Wyboston junction 
  • take B1428 before joining Bushmead Road
  • continue onto Staploe Road before re-joining Roxton Road

See Roxton Road and Baron Way diversion route map

Works

We'll be installing new lighting columns on the A1 northbound.

Closure

We'll close the A1 northbound between Tempsford and Black Cat roundabout overnight (9pm to 5am) from Monday 26 to Friday 30 January 2026.

Diversion

  • exit A1 northbound at Tempsford junction
  • take St Neots Road towards St Neots
  • join A428 towards Wyboston
  • re-join A1 northbound at Wyboston junction

See A1 northbound overnight closures 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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