'Absolute carnage': Northampton residents slam traffic chaos caused by council's cycle lane scheme

Work began on Monday, June 8, as part of phase two of the Reform-led West Northamptonshire Council's Abington Active Travel Scheme.

The project, which focuses on Park Avenue South and Bridgewater Drive, is expected to last 18 weeks, with works due to be completed by autumn 2026, according to WNC.

Since work started, residents have reported long delays, gridlocked roads and increased traffic on surrounding residential streets.

One resident wrote: "What is the council thinking? Abington Park Crescent closed. Park Avenue closed. It is chaos out there. Billing Road gridlocked. Wellingborough Road at a standstill. All side roads are a nightmare as people try to cut through. Surely these works could have waited until the six-week school holiday. Not exactly priority works."

Another resident said: "It's absolute carnage!.”

One wrote: "It was chaos yesterday when the school chucked out, all the parents in their unnecessarily large cars coupled with the diverted traffic."

Another commented: "It was appalling this morning, I have never seen anything like it. Totally gridlocked. Whoever has given the green light needs sacking.”

Residents also raised concerns about traffic being diverted through nearby residential streets.

One said: "Landcross Road is now like a rat run, cars etc bomb through there. Surprised that there hasn't been a smash there or somebody hasn't been knocked down yet."

Another resident wrote: "It's a logistical nightmare trying to get to the schools! Useless council!”

Others criticised the traffic management around the works.

One resident said: "Totally agree. And signage is dreadful.

"The contractors are really taking one. Diversion and date signs should have been up weeks ago. Proper advance notice."

Concerns have also been raised about upcoming events in the area.

One said: "I am also concerned that Northampton Carnival is happening this coming Saturday, which means the only alternative route would be at the top of Rushmere Road, and it is going to be diabolical."

Labour councillors Bob Purser and Zoe Smith (Abington and Phippsville ward) said they have been contacted by many affected residents already.

Councillor Purser said: “I have visited the effected roads and am very concerned about the impact the diversions are having on residential streets,

“I have had reports of residents’ cars being damaged as drivers seek to negotiate these narrow streets. It has been chaos around Northampton School for Boys in Billing Road at both the start and end of the school day.

“Residents are also concerned about the safety of children and parents crossing at the junction of Bridgewater Drive and Abington Park Crescent where other works are taking place.

“Although notice was given of the closure of Park Avenue South, as a result all the traffic which uses Park Avenue, both north and south, from Park Avenue has been using Barry Road, Ardington Road, Landcross Drive and Watersmeet. These roads are not suitable for through traffic. More planning was required by Highways for drivers to take appropriate alternative routes.

“I have written to the Highways calling for action to be taken and am still awaiting a reply.”

The council says the £4.7 million project will create improved routes for pedestrians, cyclists and wheelchair users, including new footways and segregated cycle lanes.

Council leaders say the improvements will strengthen links between residential areas, schools, Northampton town centre and local facilities, while also improving access to Abington Park.

The scheme is intended to encourage more people to choose walking, wheeling and cycling for everyday journeys, helping to reduce congestion and cut carbon emissions while promoting healthier lifestyles.

Funding for the project has come from the Active Travel Fund, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and local transport grants.

On June 9, WNC’s cabinet endorsed the Active Travel Strategy, Rail Action Plan and Mobility Hub Action Plan, which will help deliver the wider Local Transport Plan through to 2045. All three plans have been shaped through engagement with residents, businesses and stakeholders. More than 500 people responded to a public consultation, alongside hundreds of comments on social media, with strong overall support for the proposals – according to the council. WNC said: “The feedback has led to a number of changes. These include strengthening accessibility and inclusion in the Active Travel Strategy, adding clearer proposals for rural connections, updating the council’s position on reopening former rail lines, and improving the design and explanation of mobility hubs.” The plans also place greater emphasis on ‘safety, better links between bus and rail services, and clearer priorities for funding and delivery’. Cllr Richard Butler, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “These plans set out a clear and practical approach to improving transport across West Northamptonshire. “They will support better connections between our communities, encourage more sustainable travel and help create cleaner, healthier places. “Importantly, they have been shaped by the views of our residents and partners. We’ve listened carefully to the feedback we received and made changes so the plans reflect what matters most to local people and can deliver real benefits both now and in the future.”

Nearby, major traffic signal improvement works are happening on the A5123 Kettering Road at the junction with Morrisons supermarket and Beech Avenue. They are expected to continue until July 20, according to traffic reports from the council.