A421 westbound to close to 'strengthen soil'

National Highways has announced more overnight closures on a major road project that is costing £1m a day.

The A421 westbound between the Black Cat junction and Renhold Interchange in Bedfordshire will be shut from 21:00 GMT on Friday until Monday, 23 February at 05:00.

A spokesperson said it was to allow for "strong columns [to be] installed in the ground to strengthen soil, helping keep embankments and structures stable."

A diversion route advises drivers to continue south on the A1, take the A603 towards Bedford and re-join the A421 westbound at the Cardington Interchange.

Diversions will also be in place while the A421 eastbound is closed overnight between the Renhold Interchange and the Black Cat junction from Monday, 23 February until Saturday, 28 February between 21:00 and 05:00.

The work is part of a National Highways project to build a 10-mile dual carriageway between the Black Cat roundabout in Bedfordshire, and the Caxton Gibbet roundabout in Cambridgeshire.

Last month, a 100-tonne crane lifted beams into place on a new 200-metre viaduct, which crosses the River Great Ouse and the Little Barford Road.

The road aims to reduce congestion on the busy A428.

Last year the project reached its midpoint and it is due to open to drivers in spring 2027.

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