'Delays likely' as three major roadworks begin simultaneously in same part of Northampton – here's when they end

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Thousands of motorists are currently being affected by roadworks on a busy road in Northampton – here’s when the traffic chaos will end.

Roadworks began at the junction and pedestrian crossing of Bants Lane and Chiltern Avenue on Monday, July 22, as West Northamptonshire Council’s Highways workers refurbish the traffic lights.

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Temporary multi-way traffic lights are in place on Bants Lane and Chiltern Avenue, while Chiltern Avenue is fully closed.

According to WNC, ‘delays are likely’ until the works are completed and the roads are reopened on Friday, August 16.

Temporary traffic lights in Bants LaneTemporary traffic lights in Bants Lane
Temporary traffic lights in Bants Lane

Many motorists have already faced traffic backing up in both directions towards Sixfields and King’s Heath.

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Nearby, in Harlestone Road, close to Dallington Cemetery, two-way traffic lights are in place for utility repair and maintenance works, further adding to the traffic chaos.

Additionally, Berrywood Road in Duston has been closed from Monday (July 29) until August 9 for utility asset works.

The combination of all these works could make driving in Duston very difficult until mid-August.

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Cllr Paul Enright-King, Chair of Duston Parish Council said: “Duston Parish Council represents the people of Duston. Its residents of course understand the need for road improvements. The problem in Duston, however, is that they seem to be never ending. For months we had the Sandy Lane closure which caused huge disruption locally. Even now HGVs are being advised not to use it and so they continue to come through Duston, because the new road has been deemed unsuitable, due to an apparent adverse camber.

“Millway is an historic and narrow road, which is also unsuitable for HGVs, but yet they continue to come thundering along there much to the frustration of some local residents, because the alternatives are ridiculously congested or are subject to roadworks.

"Main Road has become a running joke in Duston as it seems to be the most dug up bit of road in the whole of Northamptonshire.

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"Chiltern Avenue is currently closed, for an estimated four weeks, which if experience is anything to go by, will likely overrun.

"There is a fully justified sense of frustration at the continuing effect of roadworks. I have been told previously the regular roadworks disrupts trade in the shops in the village. I feel somebody needs to get a grip of the situation and look at why these works have been allowed to be carried out at the same time. Someone in charge perhaps, if there is anyone.”

Many residents have taken to social media to vent their frustration.

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One said: “He we go again. Billy smart circus are in Duston again.”

Another said: “More chaos: I’ll be avoiding as much as possible.”

One resident in Chiltern Avenue said the upgraded traffic lights are much-needed.

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The resident said: “As someone who lives on Chiltern Avenue, I’ve witnessed too many near misses at this junction. Drivers coming down Bants Lane from Harlestone Road often see the second set of lights are green and run the red light, putting cars turning onto Bants Lane from Chiltern Avenue at risk. There are definitely improvements needed.”

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