Drivers are being urged to plan ahead this weekend as a stretch of the A1 near the Black Cat roundabout is set to close in both directions for essential upgrade work.
The closure, which forms part of National Highways’ multi-million-pound scheme to improve journeys between Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire, will be in place from 9pm on Friday, 19 September to 5am on Monday, 22 September 2025.
During the closure, northbound traffic will be diverted off the A1 at Tempsford, along St Neots Road, before joining the A428 at St Neots and rejoining the A1 at Wyboston. Southbound traffic will follow the same diversion route in reverse.
National Highways says the closure will allow teams to continue construction of a new culvert under the A1, designed to improve drainage and reduce flood risk.
Extra time
“We’re continuing work this weekend to build a new culvert beneath the A1 carriageway near the Black Cat roundabout,” said Paul Salmon, National Highways Senior Project Manager.
“If you’re planning to travel through the area, please check the diversion route in advance and allow extra time for your journey.”
Culverts help protect roads from damage by directing water safely underneath the carriageway, reducing the risk of flooding from rainfall or nearby streams.
The Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet scheme, which began construction in late 2023, aims to deliver faster, safer and more reliable journeys for drivers by creating a new three-tier junction and improving links between the A1, A421 and A428.
Read: “We’re sorry”, National Highways apologises for Black Cat chaos
Work is progressing well, with the recent opening of the new A421 eastbound to A1 northbound free-flow link and the start of efforts to lower the A1 carriageway.
National Highways says the project is approaching its halfway stage, with further closures expected as work continues over the coming months.
For more information and live updates on the scheme, visit: nationalhighways.co.uk
