Black Cat roundabout statue to be removed for works

National Highways says it will be returned when the A428 upgrades are completed.

The notorious Black Cat roundabout is on the junction between the A1, A421, and Bedford Road, just south of St Neots. 

It takes its name from the garage which opened on the junction in the 1920s. 

However, it wasn’t until eight decades later that the black cat truly came to life though, when a black cat structure was placed on the roundabout by four locals in 2004.

It's had its fair share of history, including when cat burglars struck in 2007, and when vandals attacked in 2019.

Now, with early construction on upgrades to the junction underway, National Highways says the iconic black statue will be removed for the duration of the works, and returned when the improvements are completed.

Senior Project Manager at National Highways Paul Salmon:

“One of the most frequently asked questions we receive is ‘what will happen to the black cat statue’. 

"We fully understand the importance of the black cat as a local landmark, and one of our project ambitions is to leave a purr-fect legacy, so don't worry we will be looking after the cat and her kittens during construction. 

"And rest assured that the black cat will be returned once the upgrade is complete.”

National Highways plans will see the creation of a new 10-mile dual carriageway linking the A1 Black Cat roundabout to the A428 Caxton Gibbet roundabout.

Both existing roundabouts will be upgraded, with a new junction added at Cambridge Road, with the hope it will improve access to St Neots and train station.      

Early construction work began in October 2023 and the scheme is expected to open to traffic in 2027.