Motorists criticise 'double-whammy' roadworks causing traffic 'carnage' in busy Northampton road

Cadent is currently completing gas works in Bants Lane and Chiltern Avenue, which has seen three-way traffic lights in place.

The works in Bants Lane will finish on November 29, while the works in Chiltern Avenue will finish on December 10.

Just up the road at the Bants Lane and Harlestone Road roundabout, WNC is carrying out works to fix a collapsed gully, which has seen a lane closure.

These compounding works have caused long delays for many, and motorists have taken to social media to vent their frustrations.

One said: “It’s carnage everywhere in Duston at the moment l think whichever way you try and get in or out there’s roadworks and it just causes mass congestion it’s utterly mental I’ve never known a council so inept at planning things.”

Another added: “The new traffic lights at Chiltern are now temporary lights and the Dallington roundabout is single file so a double-whammy.”

Responding, Cllr Phil Larratt, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport said: “These essential gas main replacement works are necessary to maintain the integrity of the gas supply network and the safety of local residents.

"The works are being carried out by Cadent Gas, who have statutory rights to undertake works in the highway that the Highway Authority is obliged to help facilitate. These works are due to be completed by the end of November.

"The current traffic management includes three-way lights and a temporary pedestrian crossing which are necessary due to the nature of the location.

"We understand that this may cause disruption for road users, pedestrians and residents in that area and would like to thank them for their patience.”

A Cadent spokesman added: “These works are part of a wider investment in our network and they are essential in keeping the gas flowing to the people of Northamptonshire for generations to come.

“We have worked with the local authority in an attempt to minimise disruption, but there is no more that we can do. We have put in place a traffic management system which will allow our engineers to carry out these works as safely, and as quickly as possible.

“We understand the frustrations that this will cause road users and we thank everybody for their patience and understanding.”

Nearby, Millway, in Duston, has also been closed by Cadent since October 28, but the spokesman confirmed it will reopen to traffic tonight (November 22).

Earlier this year, there was traffic chaos once again at Bants Lane while WNC Highways workers refurbished the traffic lights.