Thousands of motorists hit by traffic 'chaos' caused by multiple roadworks on major routes in Northampton

Thousands of motorists have been hit by traffic chaos caused by multiple roadworks taking place at the same time in Northampton.

Motorists took to social media last night (Monday February 19) asking why it was seemingly busier than usual from Barrack Road going to the Kingsthorpe area of town.

A quick look on one.network shows there are multiple roadworks taking place at the same time which appear to be having a knock-on effect throughout the town.

Here’s what’s happening on the roads…

St Georges Avenue is closed from Brick Kiln Lane junction to the Barrack Road from February 12 until March 15.

Multiple works are ongoing on Barrack Road until March 15, with temporary traffic lights in place.

There are multi-way temporary traffic lights in Harborough Road at the junction with the A5076, next to the cemetery. These will be in place until February 22.

On Welford Road, next to The Windhover, there are currently multi-way temporary traffic lights until March 28 while workers complete the North West Relief Road.

All of these works are in a three-mile radius of each other and are all major routes in and out of town.

Kingsthorpe residents have spoken out online about the traffic chaos.

One person said: “Absolute carnage. You couldn’t write it.”

Another said: “This is beyond a joke. This is seriously concerning many around here.”

Another added: “Absolute nightmare. I’m sure they do the same thing in the same areas constantly.”

Conservative councillor Sam Rumens (Kingsthorpe south ward) said: ““We need to get tighter on the planning of road works. I appreciate that some are unavoidable but a common sense driven balance must be found. The reality that road users are facing does not seem to match up with how the works planning system is meant to be operating.

“I am consistently frustrated by works not being done at night due to various restrictions. If you could close a site and have concentrated works overnight, so much more could be done and with way less disruption.

“Surely a bit of noise for a couple of nights is better than daytime disruption for weeks on end?”

The man in charge of highways at WNC, Phil Larratt said: “Essential roadworks are being carried out in order provide improved services and access for local road users. West Northamptonshire Council carries out thorough reviews into planning all roadworks in order to cause minimum disruption to local residents, including implementing clear diversion routes to avoid traffic congestion. All works are carried out in line with our scheduled programme of works, however, on occasion emergency works can arise which may cause additional road closures outside of our control.”

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) recently asked residents to share their views on proposals to address air quality concerns and improve standards. To have your say, click this link.