Jonathan Djanogly has welcomed today’s announcement of the proposed ‘Orange route’ for the new A428. Jonathan had previously lobbied Government for the road’s inclusion in the Road Investment Strategy and led an alliance of other local MPs, the Highways Agency, Local Enterprise Partnerships and local authorities in Cambridgeshire, Central Bedfordshire and Bedford Borough to pursue the aim of championing much needed improvements to the A428 and A421 and its approaches.
Jonathan Djanogly, Member of Parliament for Huntingdon and Chairman of the A428/A421 Alliance said,
“An improved A428 is vital to unlocking growth in this area and assisting businesses in the Eastern region between Cambridge and Bedford. This road has long been an imperative issue for Cambridgeshire, Bedford, Central Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes as the improvements are required to ensure that this route can function more effectively as a strategic east-west link and support the housing and jobs growth planned along the corridor.”
“I am delighted that Highways England has selected the preferred Orange route, which was supported by 83% of consultation respondents and best serves my constituents, and also that a fully grade-separated junction is proposed at Black Cat roundabout. Today's announcement is excellent news for my constituents in Huntingdonshire and for the East of England. The A428 upgrade will improve commuting times, reduce congestion and provide the infrastructure necessary to develop our local and regional businesses and indeed our prosperity moving forwards. Local MPs and councils have all put a great deal of work into leading a strong campaign for an improved A428 and I am pleased to see a successful outcome of that sustained effort.”
“However, this announcement is long overdue and many of my constituents continue to suffer congested journeys and rat-running through local villages as a result of the existing issues. With construction work due to begin in 2021/22 I shall therefore continue to press all concerned to ensure that the timetable does not slip any further.”