Construction has officially started on the UK’s most expensive road project, the £1 billion upgrade of the A428.
This ambitious venture by National Highways involves the construction of a new 10-mile dual carriageway, linking the Black Cat roundabout in Bedfordshire to the Caxton Gibbet roundabout in Cambridgeshire.
The primary objective is to alleviate congestion and enhance safety for drivers navigating the current route.
The existing road has long been plagued by delays, especially during rush hours, with limited alternative routes available to motorists.
National Highways estimates that the upgraded A428 will reduce journey times by over a third during peak hours, potentially saving drivers up to 10 minutes.
With the projected increase in daily vehicle usage from 25,300 to 32,900 by 2040, the development is not only timely but also critical to accommodate the anticipated growth in population, housing, and job opportunities in the region.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m delighted we have marked the start of works on the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet project, a huge investment by the government to grow the economy in the region and reduce congestion for drivers.”
Transport minister Anthony Browne, whose constituency encompasses much of the new dual carriageway, emphasised the importance of the project to address the daily congestion issues faced by the local community.
Despite delays caused by legal challenges regarding environmental concerns, Browne highlighted the significance of continuing infrastructure projects that employ environmentally conscious construction methods.
The A428 project is expected to bring relief to the region, with improved junctions and enhanced access to the town of St Neots and its railway station.
The development is set to be completed in 2027, marking a milestone in National Highways’ commitment to delivering major projects that positively impact communities, businesses, and the nation’s infrastructure.
Critics have argued the cost of the road is approx. £57,000 per yard and shows a complete lack of fiscal responsibility, with concerns that contractor rates or material costs could be padded by as much as 10,000%.
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