Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their estimated cost of (1) the new 16km dual carriageway linking the A1 Black Cat roundabout in Bedfordshire to the A428 Caxton Gibbet roundabout in Cambridgeshire in respect of which a development consent order has recently been issued, and (2) the proposed East West Rail line between Bedford and Cambridge; what is the latest benefit-to-cost ratio of each; and how decisions about these projects will contribute to their net zero carbon target for transport.

The A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet scheme is part of National Highways’ investment into the country’s road network committed in Road Investment Strategy (RIS2) and will be funded by HMT. It is expected to cost between £810 million to £950 million.

The economic assessment is summarised in terms of the benefit/cost ratio (BCR). National Highways’ BCR shows that for every £1 spent on the Scheme there will be £1.90 returned to society in benefits.

National Highways has three strong commitments to lowering carbon emissions; corporate carbon emissions to net zero by 2030, construction and maintenance emissions to net zero by 2040, and all road users to net zero by 2050. Progressing the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet scheme is contributing to National Highways’ Net Zero Plan.

The case for East West Rail between Bedford and Cambridge is currently under review. The Government will be providing an update on both the cost and business case in due course.