‘Exercise caution drivers’ on Queen Eleanor roundabout urges council after motorist labels it a ‘death trap’

A local councillor says she has received numerous concerns from the public and one motorist described it as a “death trap”.

WNC says it recognises the temporary layout “can be challenging for road users” and said additional traffic lanes were opened in December which improved capacity and traffic flow. They also urged drivers to “exercise caution”.

The Queen Eleanor Interchange has been undergoing major improvement works since March last year.

The scheme, being carried out by West Northants Council’s (WNC) highways contractor Kier, includes new traffic signals, resurfacing and widening of the junction and aims to increase capacity, improve traffic flow, and reduce congestion at this key junction, according to WNC.

It was originally due to be completed by December 2025 but has been delayed, with completion now expected in spring 2026.

Motorist Andy Kerry, who uses the roundabout regularly, says it has become a “death trap”, claiming accidents are happening more than once a day.

Speaking to Chronicle & Echo, he said: “I live in Hardingstone. I know that roundabout really well. It’s awful. It really is. It’s become treacherous since Christmas.

"Coming out of Hardingstone, you’re almost putting your life in your hands. You have to jump across four or five lanes of traffic to get into town.

“Where they half-opened it and cleared everything out of the way, it’s become a speedway going round there, even though there are 20mph signs.

“Cars aren’t stopping at the junctions. They don’t recognise that there are junctions coming off the slip roads. The accidents are more than daily.”

Independent councillor Julie Davenport, whose ward the issue is in, says she continues to receive complaints from residents.

Councillor Davenport said: “During the many months of construction works I have received complaints of different concerns by residents. I always advise residents to contact a dedicated email address for the Queen Eleanor works. It does concern me that I am still being advised of safety issues when the reason for the works was that the roundabout was not fit for purpose. I do hope these concerns will be addressed swiftly. WNC could arrange another open evening locally for residents to voice their concerns.”

A WNC spokeswoman said: “WNC and its contractor Kier, take all concerns about road safety extremely seriously.

“The interchange is currently operating under a temporary layout. We recognise that this can be challenging for road users, particularly during different phases of the works.

“Additional traffic lanes were opened in December and the level of temporary traffic management reduced. This has provided clear benefits by improving capacity and traffic flow.

“However, drivers must exercise caution and recognise that the junction remains subject to temporary arrangements. These arrangements include:

• A reduced temporary speed limit of 20mph

• Temporary road markings and signage to guide drivers

• Interim layout changes designed to reflect the final scheme and prepare drivers for the completed junction

• Regular inspections, with the ability to make adjustments and improvements where necessary.

“Permanent traffic signals have not yet been commissioned as the interchange is not in its final configuration. Installing temporary signals would increase delays significantly, adding additional risk. This approach is kept under review and informed by professional highways temporary traffic management advice.

“The traffic signals will be fully commissioned, tested, and brought into operation once the interchange is ready to operate at full capacity.

“A dedicated project email address remains available for residents to raise concerns directly with the project team, allowing issues to be assessed promptly – [email protected]

“We are happy to consider the suggestion of further community engagement and whether an additional local information event would be beneficial.”