Latest news

Work moves up a gear on construction of new Roxton Road bridge and link road

February 2024 - We are set to begin sheet piling work to support the construction of a new retaining wall on the north side of the A421.

A1 overnight closure

January 2024 - We’ll be installing CCTV on the A1 between Wyboston and Black Cat roundabout, and between Black Cat roundabout and Sandy. This work will be carried out overnight.

A421 Full weekend closure

January 2024 - From Monday 15 January, we will move the A421 eastbound traffic onto the reconstructed central reservation area on the approach to the Black Cat roundabout.

A1 overnight road closure - CCTV Installation

December 2023 - We’ll be installing CCTV on the A1 in both directions between Sandy and Black Cat roundabout.

Construction begins on A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements

December 2023 - We were joined by local MPs and the Mayor of Bedford at the Black Cat roundabout as we put the first spades in the ground.

£2 million legacy fund launched to help local initiatives

November 2023 - £2 million legacy fund on the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet will support not-for-profit groups in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.

New animation tells storied history of Black Cat roundabout

October 2023 - To celebrate the junction's past, National Highways has released a new animation showcasing the history of the Black Cat roundabout.

Early work to begin on A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements

September 2023 - To facilitate early construction activities, overnight closures during the week are scheduled on the A421 between between the Black Cat roundabout and Renhold junction from Monday 2 October.

It’s Black Cat appreciation day - hear from the man responsible for the statue

August 2023 - Today is Black Cat appreciation day! In 2004, a metal black cat statue was placed on the Black Cat roundabout - we spoke with the man responsible for this…

Site compound construction at Black Cat Quarry

July 2023 - What are we doing in the south east area of the Black Cat roundabout?

Local wine and touchscreen tablets: fascinating finds on the A428

July 2023 - Read about the archaeological discoveries on the A428 that are helping experts understand life throughout British history…

A tail of paws-itivity for two black cats

July 2023 - Today is National Kitten Day! Can you believe two black kittens were found abandoned at our A428 site a couple of years ago? Read about how they're doing now...

Our earthly donation to local primary school

June 2023 - Freshly grown vegetables are the dish of the day at a local Bedfordshire primary school after we donated 12 tonnes of topsoil.

The legal challenge is over

May 2023 - The Court of Appeal has refused the application to appeal the refusal of permission for a judicial review

Challenge is now taken to Court of Appeal

April 2023 - The legal challenge continues…

International Women's Day

March 2023 - As it’s International Women’s Day and Women in Construction week, we thought we’d celebrate some of the amazing work done by women who are helping to transform journeys as part of the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements.

We've heard back from the High Court...

February 2023 - Update on the legal challenge: a judge has reviewed the application.

Waterlogged wood

January 2023 - Excavations have thrown up some incredibly rare archaeological finds on the A428...

What's happening with the legal challenge...

December 2022 - We are disappointed to let you know that we won’t be starting construction on the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet scheme this month like we had initially planned.

Why do you need archaeologists when you're building a road?

November 2022 - Before construction on our A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements can begin, we work with archaeologists to carry out investigations along our proposed route.

The Return of the Dig

October 2022 - We’re back doing more digging!! Archaeologists from the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) have been breaking new ground! Over the next few months MOLA will be digging into the past of Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire - join us on this incredible journey of discovery!

Consent granted - Secretary of State gives green light

August 2022 - Today we welcomed the Secretary of State for Transport’s decision to grant planning permission (a Development Consent Order) to upgrade the route between the A1 Black Cat roundabout and A428 Caxton Gibbet roundabout with a brand new 10-mile dual carriageway.

International Women in Engineering Day

June 2022 - Meet the women helping to transform one of the region's most notorious congestion hotspots.

Protecting the environment - pond restoration

June 2022 - It's been World Environment Day and this week we have been busy restoring a pond near the A1 Black Cat roundabout. The pond had been invaded by New Zealand Pigmy Weed.

Pints from the past

May 2022 - We have identified fascinating evidence that ancient beer production took place at a site known as Field 44 near Tempsford.

End of examination phase for A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet scheme

February 2022 - Plans to transform journeys between Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge move a step closer now the examination phase has formally closed.

Middle Iron Age and Roman period discoveries

February 2022 - Historical buildings and relics dating back to the Middle Iron Age through to the Roman period have been unearthed by archaeologists working on the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements.

Minecraft workshops success at local schools

January 2022 - At the end of 2021, we visited four schools local to the A428 scheme to show pupils in years 3 -9 our Minecraft workshops.

Next round of hearings for A428 improvements announced

November 2021 - We've announced the next round of hearings for the proposed A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements, a project which will help to transform one of the region's worst congestion hotspots.

New road numbers announced for A428 scheme

16 September 2021 - A 10-mile section of new road to be delivered as part of a proposed major upgrade in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire is set to be named A421, as the Development Consent Order examination progresses to next round of hearings.

Minecraft games launched

8 September 2021 - We're aiming to inspire the next generation of talent through world’s best-selling video game.

Examination Timetable published by the Planning Inspectorate

August 2021 - A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet to enter Development Consent Order (DCO) examination stage on Wednesday 18 August 2021.

Development Consent Order application accepted

March 2021 - Our Development Consent Order application was accepted on Wednesday 24 March 2021.

Consultation - gas pipeline works

November 2020 - To build the scheme, we’re proposing to divert some utilities such as gas, water and electricity. We are consulting on the diversion of a high pressure gas pipeline.

Understanding our local history – archaeology on the Black Cat scheme

October 2020 - Understanding more about the historical environment is key to the development of the scheme.

Sharing our understanding of the local wildlife and habitats

September 2020 - Our team has been working with representatives from local natural history, environment groups and local representatives to help us understand conservation concerns in the local area.