Step forward in A43 major road scheme

The dualling of the A43 between Northampton and the A14 at Kettering has reached a major milestone

On Tuesday, 11 April WNC’s cabinet members considered and approved the proposals for the upcoming phase three. This work will complete the section of the A43 within WNC boundaries and make improvements to the Holcot / Sywell roundabout.

This forms part of a longer-term aspiration to vastly improve connectivity from Northampton to the A14 at Kettering helping to relieve congestion and improve journey times. Further improvement works following the completion of phase 3 will be delivered and determined by North Northamptonshire Council (NNC), although WNC is supportive of these improvements to the strategic road network.

So far, the stretch of the A43 between the Round Spinney roundabout and the newly built Overstone Grange roundabout has been dualled, with work taking place in three phases between 2015 and 2020.

Phase three will see the dual carriageway continue from Overstone Grange to the Holcot / Sywell roundabout, reducing congestion and journey times in this area. This work will be delivered in partnership between WNC and NNC.

As the scheme is being delivered across WNC and NNC areas, the works will be jointly developed by the two councils and, as most of the scheme lies within West Northamptonshire, WNC will be the lead authority, with appropriate involvement and funding from NNC.

This road scheme is a significant priority for the Council and once complete, will have many benefits for road users travelling between Northampton and Kettering, as well as the surrounding areas.

The road will also help facilitate the further development of Overstone Grange, delivering much needed housing within the area.

We know that the next phase of works will cause disruption, and we hope that drivers will soon benefit from reduced congestion in this area. Following the review of plans, I am pleased that cabinet approved the next steps and I look forward to WNC and NNC taking a step forward in delivering this exciting project.Cllr Phil Larratt, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport, Highways and Waste at WNC

A similar proposal will go before NNC’s Executive on 20 April.

Subject to approval, work will then progress to prepare the outline business case.

Subject to gaining the necessary approvals and funding, it is anticipated that construction could begin in early 2026, with completion in Spring 2027.