Major three-month roundabout roadworks begin on busy road in Northampton as drivers warned to expect delays.

Drivers are being warned to expect delays for almost three months as major roadworks continue in Mill Lane, Kings Heath.

The scheme, which began on June 22 and is due to run until September 18, is being carried out by contractor T W Civils as part of major Section 278 works linked to the Dallington Grange development, which sits between Kings Heath and Harlestone Firs.

Temporary traffic lights are currently in operation on Mill Lane, with traffic reduced to a single lane, while nearby Nene Way has been closed as work continues on the construction of a new roundabout at the Mill Lane/Nene Way junction.

Temporary traffic lights on Mill Lane as major roadworks continue until September.

placeholder image — Temporary traffic lights on Mill Lane as major roadworks continue until September.

Associated works are also taking place on Heathfield Way, with traffic management remaining in place throughout the project.

The roadworks have had a knock-on effect on traffic across the west of Northampton, with motorists reporting lengthy queues on surrounding routes, including through Kingsthorpe at the Cock Hotel junction and towards the Harlestone Road/Bants Lane roundabout.

Councillor Sally Keeble, Labour councillor for Dallington Spencer, said the works were benefiting the new housing estate rather than existing communities.

She said: "The worst thing is that these roadworks are all designed to benefit the new housing estate, not the existing residents of Kings Heath and Dallington. The new link road runs through the edge of Kings Heath, but people have no access to it. Meanwhile another link road cuts through a quiet close with huge disruption to local residents. Dallington Grange could have brought important regeneration opportunities to Kings Heath, but it's not happening."

Construction of the new Mill Lane/Nene Way roundabout is under way as part of the Dallington Grange development.

The road scheme has previously been the subject of criticism. Last year, Councillor Keeble criticised the construction of the new link road connecting the Harlestone and Dallington Grange development to Mill Lane which has resulted in the loss of two football pitches without delivering benefits for existing residents.

A West Northamptonshire Council spokesman previously said planning permission for the development was granted in 2019 by the former Northampton Borough Council following extensive public consultation.

The spokesman added: "While the construction of the new road has led to the loss of some space for the current sports pitches, the area is being carefully reconfigured to maximise its use.

"The wider Persimmon Homes development will deliver 3,000 new homes alongside a comprehensive range of community facilities, including nine new public sports pitches, eight additional pitches within school grounds, and large areas of public open space for residents to enjoy."