'CHAOS' as delays 'likely' until CHRISTMAS for thousands of motorists using major road in and out of Northampton

Works on the area around Harlestone Road roundabout, next to Harlestone Firs, began on September 23and are set to continue until December 13, according to traffic reports.

The works involve widening the carriageway and building new footways on all approaches near the Harlestone Road roundabout.

Four-way traffic signals are in place, already leading to heavy congestion, with single-file queues forming in all directions.

One motorist said: “It’s causing chaos.” Another reported that it took them 15 minutes to get through the area on Monday (September 30) at 3.30pm.

It’s believed these roadworks are part of infrastructure improvements to accommodate the 3,000 new homes being built by Persimmon Homes at the Harlestone Grange estate, just off the roundabout, where the new North West Relief Road is also under construction.

A spokesperson for Persimmon Homes said: "Our works to the Harlestone Road junction will enable key utilities and infrastructure to be connected to our new development, in partnership with David Wilson Homes.

"Traffic management works will be in place until early December to ensure the safety of road users while these works are being carried out. We would like to thank residents and road users for their patience during this time."

Cllr Phil Larratt, West Northants Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “We understand that these works may cause delays to residents and road users leading up to winter, and we appreciate their patience whilst work is carried out to support housing development and improve road infrastructure.

“The current utility works on Harlestone Road Junction with York Way are being carried out by Persimmon Homes to connect three main services (gas, water and electric) to the new development.

“There will be 4-way lights at Harlestone roundabout until the 14 October, and 2-way lights on Harlestone Road until 1 December. There may also be a need for further traffic management measures during this period but no dates have been confirmed for this yet.

“Kier was due to start works at this location during the same period on behalf of the Council for one of the three mitigation schemes related to the Northampton North-West Relief Road (NNWRR). There was a desire to carry out both works at the same time, but after coordinating with Persimmon Homes and reviewing, work being undertaken for the NNWRR has now been delayed until early next year, to try to reduce disruption as much as possible.”

There are also signs in the area indicating that the works will start on September 30 and last for two weeks. However, traffic expert websites report that the works actually began on September 23 and are scheduled to finish on December 13.

The situation is compounded by nearby roadworks, including two-way traffic signals on Nobottle Road for National Grid utility works until November 11. On Weedon Road, a westbound lane closure remains in place until November 17 as old gas pipes are replaced in preparation for greener gas solutions, according to Cadent.

Drivers hoping to avoid delays in the area by taking Sandy Lane Relief Road may not find it much better — the road is only partially open via a temporary link, and the extra traffic could see it becoming busier than normal.