Diversions, closures and speed restrictions
Check this page regularly for the latest updates on road closures, diversions, and speed restrictions
Current closures
12 to 16 October - A1198 overnight closure at Caxton Gibbet
The A1198 between Caxton Gibbet North roundabout and Caxton Gibbet services will be closed overnight (8pm-6am) from Monday 12 to Friday 16 October.
The closure is needed to safely carry out essential work on the new Caxton Gibbet bridge, street lighting works and further drainage works.
A signed diversion route will be in place by:
- A1198
- A603
- M11
- and A428
12 to 23 October - A421 eastbound overnight closures
The A421 eastbound between Renhold to Black Cat roundabout will be closed overnight (8pm - 6am) from Monday 12 to Friday 23 October 2026.
A diversion route will be in place via A603 and A1 northbound.
19 to 30 October - Baron Way weekday closure
Baron Way will be closed between Chawston Lane and Roxton Road roundabout weekdays (8am - 5pm) from Monday 19 to Friday 30 October.
The closure is needed to safely carry out drainage surveys.
A diversion route will be in place by Chawston Lane and Roxton Road.
26 to 31 October - Roxton Road overnight closure
Roxton Road will be closed from Bedford Road to Spiney Road overnight (8pm - 6am, Monday to Friday) from Monday 26 to Saturday 31 October.
The closure is needed to safely carry out lighting, signage, and bollard installation.
A diversion route will be in place by Staploe Road and Bushmead Road.
2 to 6 November - Dove Farm Lane weekday closure
Dove Farm Lane will be closed from The Lane and Chawston Lane weekdays (8am - 5pm) from Monday 2 to Friday 6 November.
The closure is needed to safely carry out drainage surveys.
A diversion route will be in place by Roxton Road
6 to 9 November - A1 northbound, A1 southbound, A421 westbound, and Bedford Road weekend closure
The follow roads will be closed from 9pm Friday 6 to 5am Monday 9 November for drainage surveys:
- A1 northbound between Tempsford and Black Cat junction
- A1 southbound between Wyboston and Tempsford
- A421 westbound from Black Cat junction to Renhold
- Bedford Road from Roxton Road to Black Cat junction
A diversion route will be in place by:
- A603
- A1 northbound
- St Neots Road
- A428
9 to 20 November - A421 eastbound overnight closure
The A421 eastbound between Renhold and Black Cat junction will be closed overnight (9pm to 5am, weeknights only) from Monday 9 to Friday 20 November.
The closure is needed to safely carry out work on the central reserve.
A diversion route will be in place by:
- A603,
- A1 northbound
- St Neots Road
- A428
9 to 20 November - A1 northbound overnight closure
The A1 northbound between Tempsford and Wyboston will be closed overnight (9pm to 5am, weeknights only) from Monday 9 to Friday 20 November.
The closure is needed to safely carry out work on the central reserve.
A diversion route will be in place by St Neots Road and A428.
13 to 16 November - A1 southbound weekend closure
The A1 southbound between Wyboston and Tempsford will be closed from 9pm Friday 13 to 5am Monday 16 November for carriageway works.
A diversion route will be in place by A428 and St Neots Road.
20 to 23 November - A421 westbound weekend closure
The A421 westbound between Black Cat junction and Renhold will be closed from 9pm Friday 20 November to 5am Monday 23 November for drainage surveys.
A diversion route will be in place via the A1 southbound and A603.
Please remember that closures can change at short notice. You can check the latest information on our daily closures. 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
Caxton Gibbet road layout change - April 2026
From Monday 27 April 2026, we'll move traffic on the A428 onto a new stretch of road, linking with existing road networks.
These changes will help us build the upgraded junction and a new flyover bridge, which will carry the dual carriageway over the junction.
Traffic in both directions on the A428 (east of Caxton Gibbet) will be moved onto a new stretch of road, connecting directly to the northern roundabout.
Services at Caxton Gibbet will remain open and accessible.
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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Keep updated on the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements
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