Plans to create 10-mile dual carriageway linking the A1 Black Cat roundabout in Bedford to the A428 move a step closer

Plans to transform journeys between Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge moved a step closer today (Weds, March 24) after Highways England’s proposals were formally accepted by the Planning Inspectorate for examination. 

As part of Highways England's plans, there will be a new 10-mile dual carriageway linking the A1 Black Cat roundabout to the A428 Caxton Gibbet roundabout in Cambridgeshire.  

The project replaces the only remaining section of single carriageway between Milton Keynes and Cambridge and tackles one of the region’s most notorious congestion hotspots.  

Yesterday, we revealed how the Black Cat roundabout would look like once it's finished - after Highways England awarded a half-a-billion pound contract to Skanska to transform the notorious junction.

Mayor Dave Hodgson, chair of EEH Strategic Transport Forum, said: "Delivery of the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet scheme is identified in our recently published Transport Strategy as a regional priority.

"EEH is committed to working with Highways England to ensure its delivery at the earliest opportunity. Last year’s consultation by Highways England showed the high degree of public support for the scheme which will ease the congestion and delays suffered daily by our residents and businesses, increasing the resilience of the network, and supporting economic growth and the ambitions of current Local Plans.

"The Planning Inspectorate’s decision to accept Highways England’s submission is another positive step on the way to the scheme being delivered to the benefit of both the regional and UK economies."

The Planning Inspectorate will now start the process of a full examination of the proposals before deciding whether to grant a Development Consent Order, which will help to inform the Secretary of State for Transport when deciding whether to give the green light for construction to begin.