"Unbelievable": Council explains why Northampton road has been dug up AGAIN after five-months of active travel works

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) started phase two of its Abington Active Travel Scheme on Monday, June 8, focusing on Park Avenue South and Bridgewater Drive, near Abington Park.

Phase two forms part of a wider programme of improvements along the Abington corridor, which aims to eventually connect Northampton town centre, Abington Park and Weston Favell.

The project, which caused delays in the area, was expected to take 18 weeks and was completed this autumn.

However, one motorist spotted contractors back on Park Avenue South on Wednesday, October 28, digging up the road again.

The motorist said: “Unbelievable. If you are wondering why Park Avenue South is yet again closed, let me tell you. They are ripping the road back up and replacing it because they built it too high by 20mm.

“I have no idea who is paying for this. No doubt it is us as taxpayers. But who is being held accountable, and who bears the cost, as well as all the disruption over the last five months?

“Northampton Chronicle, I hope you've got some good journalists who can investigate this and hold people accountable.”

Responding, a WNC spokesman said: “The additional work on Park Avenue South was required because part of the northbound carriageway surface did not meet the required specification and needed to be corrected.

“It is being carried out by the contractor, Kier, at no additional cost to taxpayers. The main resurfacing itself has now been completed, with works around service covers and gullies due to take place next week as part of the normal finishing process, under two-way lights to minimise disruption.”

The overall Active Travel scheme is designed to make journeys safer, easier and more accessible for people walking, wheeling and cycling.

It includes new footways and segregated cycle lanes, as well as improved connections between residential areas, schools, Northampton town centre and local facilities.

WNC says the improvements are intended to help reduce congestion and carbon emissions while promoting healthier lifestyles and improving access to Abington Park.

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