Deadly issues persist at 'infamous' junction at brand new relief road in Northampton, according to motorists – but it’s not due for a safety review until August, according to Reform-led West Northants Council.

Motorists are continuing to report safety concerns at the new Sandy Lane Relief Road (SLRR) junction with the A4500 Weedon Road.

The issue occurs when vehicles coming from SLRR turn right onto the A4500. Drivers have been spotted entering the lane used by oncoming traffic, which is looking to turn right into Upton Valley Way North, towards Pineham.

In some cases, cars have ended up driving the wrong way all the way down towards the Kislingbury roundabout. The Chronicle & Echo has seen a video of a recent shocking incident at the junction and is awaiting permission to share it with readers.

Councillor Phil Bignell points out the junction where drivers from the new Sandy Lane Relief Road are turning onto the A4500 Weedon Road (top). No Entry’ markings have been added to the road surface, but drivers say they are not always easy to see (bottom left). Drivers are mistakenly entering the lane leading into oncoming traffic towards Upton Valley Way North, causing confusion and near-misses (bottom right).

placeholder image — Councillor Phil Bignell points out the junction where drivers from the new Sandy Lane Relief Road are turning onto the A4500 Weedon Road (top). No Entry’ markings have been added to the road surface, but drivers say they are not always easy to see (bottom left). Drivers are mistakenly entering the lane leading into oncoming traffic towards Upton Valley Way North, causing confusion and near-misses (bottom right).

Just weeks after the SLRR opened, WNC carried out additional work at the junction following pressure from the public and this newspaper, including the installation of white guide lines, ‘no entry’ markings on the ground, and a new bollard intended to help drivers navigate the junction safely. However, the problem still persists.

Speaking on behalf of residents in his ward, Conservative councillor Phil Bignell, representing Bugbrooke, said: “It’s the infamous new Sandy Lane junction with the A4500 again. I've been raising it with the council at least five times now and they keep coming back saying we've done what we think is necessary. I receive complaints on a weekly basis from drivers who have encountered the problem. Does someone have to be killed or seriously injured before I am taken seriously and a solution provided?!

“There should be red ‘no entry’ signs on posts at the affected junction. They should be large so you actually see it and it's in your eye.”

When asked if the problem was down to ‘bad drivers’, councillor Bignell added: “I think it's very easy for people to blame drivers but it's a very easy mistake to make.”

Drivers have described near-misses and confusion at the junction. One driver said: “This happened to me a couple of months back. I was heading the same way but to turn right at the lights and a man coming from the new Sandy Lane junction turned into my lane going the wrong way heading straight towards me. He realised his mistake and stopped and turned but there definitely needs to be some more markers in the road maybe.”

Another added: “It's so confusing at that junction, the first time I turned right out of the new road I was so unsure. I told my partner before he used it and he said the same and he drives HGV and on the roads all the time but said that junction is particularly confusing and needs more signage.”

WNC responded saying a formal safety review will take place one year after opening, in liaison with the police, scheduled for August 2026.

A council spokesman said: “After the scheme opened, WNC reviewed concerns raised regarding the SLRR junction with the A4500 Weedon Road. Additional measures were implemented, including road markings, signage and bollards, to address safety concerns, particularly the risk of vehicles entering filter lanes into oncoming traffic.

“Additional signage was considered during the design process, and bollards were chosen instead of steel posts to reduce the risk of injury in the event of a collision.

"All works are compliant with national design standards. ‘No Entry’ markings were added to provide extra clarity on restricted movements.”