Black Cat work starts next week

The £5.6 million scheme will ease congestion at this important roundabout, improve journey time for road users and improve safety.

It is part of the Government’s £317 million pinch point programme, which aims to boost local economies by reducing congestion and delays at key locations.

The work is due to start on Monday and involves a new road alignment to enlarge and widen the existing roundabout, new safety fencing, improved drainage, new surfacing on the roundabout and installation of lighting columns and traffic lights. Subject to weather conditions, the work is scheduled to last for approximately six months.

The work will take place between 7.30am and 5.30pm from Monday to Friday. There will not be any restrictions to traffic on the existing road until September as the work to widen the roundabout will be undertaken on the land next to the junction. Narrowing the lanes and occasional night-time closures with diversion routes are planned for later in the year, and details of these will be issued in due course. Road users are advised to leave extra time for their travel and plan their journeys ahead, using the information found on the Highways Agency website.

Highways Agency Project Manager Steve Davy said: “This is great news for drivers travelling on the A1 and the A421 in Bedfordshire. We’re well aware what a busy location this is and that is the very reason we’re carrying out this important pinch point project.”