WNC confirms it is finally going to fix ‘lethal’ and ‘disgraceful’ section of major road in Northampton
A section of a major road in Northampton described as ‘lethal’ and ‘disgraceful’ is finally going to be fixed, West Northants Council (WNC) has confirmed.
The condition of the A4500 from Junction 16 of the M1 all the way up to Upton has been a point of concern for many motorists for many months.
The Chron reported on potholes between the Sandy Lane Relief Road and Upton back in February, when they were already severe. Two months later, they still have not been fixed.
At the end of March, we also reported on a dangerous pothole before the slip road from Harpole onto the A4500.
However, at the time of writing (Monday, April 13), the potholes remain.
The Chron has once again raised this issue with WNC, which has now confirmed that the eastbound section of the road, from Junction 16 to Upton, is set to be repaired over the course of five days next week.
A WNC spokeswoman said: “As part of our scheduled road repairs, there will be eastbound closures on the A4500 between 8pm and 4am from April 20 to 24. These will be done in stretches.
“Work being carried out on each stretch will include repair of damaged sections of road and gully emptying. Junctions will remain open during the work. On April 24, the whole stretch will be closed for remarking.”
Conservative councillor Phil Bignell, who represents the area, previously said: “This road is certainly notorious. It has been a disgrace for ages, and the road needs closing and a proper job doing, since it is a major access road into the town and heavily used.”
Here’s what Chron readers have said over the course of the last few months…
Kirsty Weston said: “I drive that every day and have to play Mario Kart swerving.”
Andrei Cantir said: “We have the cars from 2026 but the roads from the 15th century.”
Sharon Hobday said: “Just had two new tyres because of these – maybe they’ll take the money off my new increased council tax bill!!”
Shelly Warner said: “Good job the council have their £185,000 pothole fixing machine.”
Carl Lennon said: “500 potholes didn’t get fixed on the roads because the council had to subsidise a few people ice skating at Christmas for £175k.”
Peter Robinson said: “What beats me is WNC will eventually come along with their ‘driveway’ method and just pick, say, one or two of probably seven or eight potholes adjacent to one another and leave the rest – beggars’ belief.”
Kevin KT said: “Lethal.”
Steve James said: “Not a great advert for visitors to Northampton for the football and rugby when coming via the M1. Should be a priority repair.”
Mark Jones said: “If Reform can't fill a hole, how are they going to run the country!?”
Natalie Frost said: “This road is so bad it needs a complete resurface. You have to stay in the outside lane all the way to Sainsbury’s to avoid all the massive holes in the inside lane. The road is literally crumbling away.”
Claire Sultana said: “It’s a disgrace. So dangerous.”