Busy Kettering road to close as controversial works enter final phase

Work to remove traffic lights at the junctions at the top of Northampton Road into Sheep Street and Bowling Green Road got under way on February 29.

The work was branded ‘horrendous’ by town centre users.

There will be one last set of road closures from May 22 to 27 as resurfacing takes place before the Women’s Tour cycling race.

Improvement works are taking place in Northampton Road, Sheep Street and Bowling Green Road and as part of these works there will be resurfacing of the carriageway.

This work involves the closure of Northampton Road from the junction with Northfield Avenue to the junction of Bowling Green Road and London Road. A signed diversion route will be in place.

The road will close at 6am tomorrow (Sunday) and will remain closed overnight for safety reasons as there will be raised ironworks.

The road will remain closed until Monday (May 23) at 3.30pm.

It will then close from 9.30am until 3.30pm from Tuesday (May 24) to Friday (May 27).

A Northamptonshire County Council spokesman said: “The works are going well and are scheduled to finish on time and on budget before the Bank Holiday weekend.

“This is subject to weather as this work cannot be carried out in the wet.”

Kettering Council economic regeneration manager Alex Jelley said: “We understand the frustrations of local businesses and residents who have had to deal with the repercussions of the works over the last month or so.

“However, the works are an important part of the wider vision for Kettering town centre.

“As both a key gateway into the town centre and part of a major arterial route, this section is of particular importance.

“It is good to hear that the scheme is on track, and we’re very much looking forward to the Women’s Tour event utilising the enhanced junction – and the footfall increase that such events bring to the town centre.”