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We have created this webpage to keep residents informed about the latest updates. Please note that the information provided below has been received directly from Kier/WNC. Wootton Parish Council is sharing this for awareness but is not responsible for the content or any associated issues.
Kier Transportation, working together with West Northamptonshire Council, will be delivering an improvement scheme to increase the traffic capacity of the A45 Queen Eleanor interchange. For the entire duration of the work, they will implement temporary traffic management throughout the roundabout and all slip roads which will affect the surrounding junctions. This work will start on 31 March 2025 with a planned completion date by December 2025 subject to unforeseen events.
The Queen Eleanor interchange is a busy roundabout joining the A45 trunk road and the A5076 Mereway. Over the years, the traffic conditions have worsened due to significant traffic increase at this junction which has become less efficient. As part of this capacity improvement scheme, they will widen sections of the carriageway on the circulatory and slip roads, improve the drainage, upgrade the traffic signals and street lighting, replace some sections of safety barrier, and add new road surfacing, markings and signs.
They are keen to work closely with the community to ensure as little inconvenience as possible to your journey. However, disruption and delays are to be anticipated. We will share regular updates of the scheme progress.
The extent of the lane closures and traffic management are shown in blue and full closures of sections shown in red on the map.
Contact details and updates
Contact
Phone (Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm) – 01604 529700
Email – [email protected]
Emergency phone (Out of hours) – 01604 651074
Keeping you informed
visit uk.one.network for more information on roadworks
What's Happening?
Where: A45 Queen Eleanor Interchange, Northampton.
What: Improvement works to this roundabout and its slip roads, and adjoining junctions will take place and will include: earthworks, carriageway widening, new drainage connections, new service ducts, structure repairs and works including waterproofing, kerbing, carriageway surfacing, upgrading of traffic signals, new road traffic signs and markings.
When: Monday 31st March – December 2025.
Working Hours: Weekdays 8am – 5pm and some weekends. times may vary within these hours.
Full roundabout closures will be necessary at times, but these will occur at night time or off-peak. Further details should be made available from WNC and Kier two weeks prior to these full closures. (Wootton Parish Council will share updates as/when we receive them).
Traffic Management: Traffic Management will be in place 24/7 with a lane closure in place and traffic lights turned off. One lane will be open.
A full closure will be in place on the cul-de-sac on London Road as well.
A lane closure will be in place leading into Wootton Hall Park with no entry permitted via the slip road. A one-way system will be in place. Please follow signage.
Residents/Businesses: Residents and Businesses will have access to their properties at all times.
Emergency Vehicles: Access will be maintained for emergency vehicles but please expect delays.
During full closures, and approved diversion rout will be in place.
Pedestrians and Cyclists: Safe and accessible diversion routes will be in place for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists. Pedestrians with visual or mobility impairments will be assisted during work hours.
Public Transport: Bus stops on the A45 slip road and nearest the roundabout on London Road and Newport Pagnell Road will be suspended for the duration of this work. Bus companies have been notified. Please use alternative bus stops during this time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kier have produced the below which includes frequently asked questions. If you’re question isn’t answered below please contact them on the contact details towards the top of this page.
How long will the work take? Works will begin on site from Monday 31st March 2025 and should be completed by December 2025.
What will typical working hours be? Our usual working hours will be 8am – 5pm. Some extended hours will be used to take advantage of the traffic management in place as well. When night closures are in place, working times will be 8pm – 6am.
How will this works affect me? Whilst we have tried to mitigate the effect these works will have on the public, delays in the area are likely. We ask that you continue to adhere to the Highway Code at all times and ensure you follow the onsite signage. Our teams are working hard, so please treat them with respect.
Why have the traffic signals been turned off during the works? Traffic signals have been turned off as the roundabout is functioning on one-lane only. The natural flow of the roundabout will be established with the usual give-way rules and will help with continuous constant flow during the works.
Why is this scheme taking place? Working have been planned on this Interchange for a long time to ensure the future safety of this junction. Over the years with growth in the area, this roundabout has become one of the busiest commuter routes. The works will improve capacity and carry out much-needed improvements for the benefit of motorists.
Can I still access the subways and footways in the area? Yes, pedestrian access will be largely unhindered. Traffic management teams will be in the area to ensure safety and assist pedestrians during working hours (8am – 5pm). There will be a short period in the Summer 2025 when subway works are due to take place. At this time, full closures of the subway at night-time will be in place, but we will communicate this in advance.
Will there be any closures? Yes, some temporary closures of the roundabouts are necessary for works to take place. These will take place mainly overnight. April 1st and 2nd will be the first closures with safe diversion routes clearly signed.
Why can the works not be completed in a shorter time-frame? The programme of works for this scheme is the shortest timeframe that we can reasonably and safely complete the works. We endeavour to complete the works as soon as we are able and may be working extended hours for exceptional circumstances and some night shifts to ensure this is completed as quickly as possible. Please be assured that we are working hard to fit all complex stages of work within a tight programme whilst ensuring access to the Queen Eleanor Interchange is still maintained for all.
Why can you not just work overnight? Many restrictions are in place for overnight works, which includes noise and light pollution restrictions. Some night work is scheduled where possible. Also, due to how busy this junction is, the traffic management in place is with concrete safety bollards to protect our team’s safety whilst working and to complying with UK regulations related to health and safety. These bollards require a full closure to be put in place and removed safely. Once in place, they cannot be removed. To optimise the use of these temporary bollards, we may work extended hours in the daytime and night-time work.
Why are there no additional traffic lights to be added to the Hardingstone and London Road Junctions? The new design informed by the traffic model does not include the addition of traffic lights at these sections of the interchange. However, the current traffic light system will be upgraded to new technology with automatic detection and linked to new traffic data as opposed to old. Therefore, an improved cycle with longer gaps in the lights will help to alleviate the pressure at these junctions.
Will I still be able to access the schools and businesses in the area by foot and vehicle? Yes, all schools, businesses, and public services will be fully accessible throughout the works. During night closures, this will be via a temporary diversion routes.
Why has the initial left-hand turn into Wootton Park been closed? Careful consideration for the safety of Wootton Park School students has been made when establishing traffic management plans. The pedestrian crossing on Wootton Park is heavily used and the need to ensure students safety is imperative. Therefore, the decision was made to close this section to ensure students safety. Access to the school will still be maintained. Please turn left at the traffic lights instead. The map below shows which turn is closed.