'Congestion hotspots' set to be tackled after travel upgrades get the green light
National Highways says it will alleviate traffic issues connecting Bedford and Milton Keynes
Last updated 19th Aug 2022
An upgrade to improve hundreds of thousands of journeys between Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge has been given the green light to proceed.
National Highways plans will see the creation of a new 10-mile dual carriageway linking the A1 Black Cat roundabout in Bedfordshire to the A428 Caxton Gibbet roundabout in Cambridgeshire in a move which is set to alleviate traffic problems for road users in Beds, Bucks and Herts.
Both existing roundabouts will be upgraded into modern, free-flowing junctions .
The project is set to help drivers save up to an hour-and-a-half on their journeys every week.
Lee Galloway, National Highways Project Director, said:
“This announcement is a major milestone, not only for the us, but also for the many local communities who have long campaigned for improvements, as well as our stakeholders who we’ve been working with for several years.
“Our proposals to upgrade the route between the A1 Black Cat roundabout and A428 Caxton Gibbet roundabout with a new 10-mile dual carriageway and a number of junction improvements are good for businesses and jobs, will improve safety and make journeys more reliable.”
Dave Hodgson, Elected Mayor of Bedford Borough, said,
“It’s great to see that we have passed another important milestone for the upgraded route.
"I know so many local residents support this project and look forward to the vital carriageway and junction upgrades. Together we are making the Borough a better place to live, work and visit."
National Highways aims to start construction later this year.