National Highways update on reopening of major Cambridgeshire road after upgrade

The £1 billion scheme aims to improve journeys between Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire

A roundabout is set to open by next summer, after works began in 2023. National Highways continues its work on the Black Cat roundabout on the A1.

The £1 billion scheme is turning the roundabout into a three-tier junction, with a new A421 flyover above the roundabout and an underpass below it. It’s also extending a new 10-mile dual carriageway from the Black Cat roundabout to Caxton Gibbet.

National Highways has given an update on the works and the road opening, which will be carried out in phases.

A National Highways spokesperson said: “As construction moves towards completion, we’re pleased to share our plans for opening the new road and junction improvements that will help make journeys across Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire quicker, safer and more reliable.

“In spring 2027, we’ll open the majority of the scheme, including the new 10-mile A421 dual carriageway between Black Cat junction in Bedfordshire and Caxton Gibbet in Cambridgeshire. The final phase of the scheme will open in mid-summer 2027, when the new A1 underpass at Black Cat junction comes into use.

“By opening the scheme in phases, road users will be able to benefit from the new road and junction improvements sooner, with safer, quicker and more reliable journeys between Milton Keynes, Bedford, St Neots and Cambridge.”

The final part of the scheme – creating the A1 underpass – has been the “most complex” part of the project, National Highways said.

The spokesperson added: “During construction, we discovered a higher than expected number of unrecorded underground services, including water, gas and telecommunications services, which needed to be safely moved before work could continue.”

A further update on confirmed opening dates will be shared in early 2027.