'Frustrating': Part of major new relief road in Northampton set to be closed for at least four months

The temporary link road at Sandy Lane in Harpole, which is the tight 90-degree turn onto the old Sandy Lane, has been closed while developers Vistry carry out construction work. The rest of the Sandy Lane Relief Road (SLRR) remains open as normal.

According to the developers, the road has been closed for operational reasons while construction work takes place on the surrounding land. It will be closed until spring 2026, after which time a further review will be undertaken, according to Vistry.

Conservative councillor Phil Bignell, representing Bugbrooke ward, said: “Residents of Harpole are not happy with the situation and it has created more traffic through the village. It is, however, in the hands of the developer at this stage, as it is their road.”

The councillor added: “The closure began on Monday, 27 October, to allow the developer to carry out works intended to benefit the public. These include constructing a footpath and installing streetlights along the Sandy Lane Relief Road link, removing temporary tower lights, and ensuring safe crossings while work is underway.”

Cheryl Barnett, owner of Sandy Lane Plants, whose business has been negatively affected by the construction of the SLRR over the past few years, spoke out.

She said: “It’s frustrating that nobody has the courtesy to notify us when something’s going to affect us. I’ve spent time letting people know how to get to us via the new link road, and then all of a sudden, with no notice, that was closed. I only know from speaking to Chronicle and Echo that it’s going to open in spring. It’s continually disturbing. It continually affects how customers can’t find me, which is still having an impact on trade. However, we’re going to give it a big push in spring.”

The SLRR runs from New Sandy Lane in Duston south towards the A4500 (Weedon Road) near Harpole.

The road was officially opened to the public on 12 August 2025. Work on the northern section began in April 2023 and opened in June 2024. The southern section, known as the ‘Road to Nowhere’, was originally started in 2009 but remained unused for 15 years. It was finally opened in August 2025 after being joined to the northern section.

The SLRR runs from New Sandy Lane in Duston south towards the A4500 (Weedon Road) near Harpole. The road was officially opened to the public on 12 August 2025. Work on the northern section began in April 2023 and opened in June 2024. The southern section, known as the ‘Road to Nowhere’, was originally started in 2009 but remained unused for 15 years. It was finally opened in August 2025 after being joined to the northern section.

The SLRR connects to the North West Relief Road (NWRR), which links Harlestone Road to the A5199 Welford Road and is designed to ease congestion on Northampton’s western edge and support new housing developments.

The £54.5 million NWRR is still closed despite being complete over summer 2025 and is set to open by the New Year.

In a statement, West Northamptonshire Council said: “Traffic calming measures are being put in place in Boughton in a key step toward the opening of the Northampton North-West Relief Road. The measures are a required part of the planning conditions for the wider scheme, and needed to be completed ahead of the road opening to help prepare communities for the changes ahead. The work in Boughton is expected to complete before the end of this year, with the North-West Relief Road scheduled to open by the new year.”