"Awful" Kettering road resurfaced during coronavirus lockdown

A Kettering road which has been forced to shut at short notice on a number of occasions because of potholes has finally been resurfaced.

Northamptonshire County Council's highways workers took advantage of a huge drop in traffic because of the coronavirus lockdown to repair a stretch of Northampton Road, under the railway bridge.

It was suffering from "surface and trench failures" and has required repeat visits under emergency closures in the past few years to make sure it was safe, causing significant disruption

But now it has been completely resurfaced and its drainage system cleansed - all with workers following social distancing guidelines.

A highways spokesman said: "The works included surveying, road resurfacing from Northfield Avenue to Lake Avenue, all road markings reinstated and the existing drainage system was cleansed, to help reduce flooding at this location in future.

"The level of the repairs were critical due to being under the bridge arch, particularly as in the past over the years the structure has been struck.

"This was all made possible by collaborative working with our supply chain who ensured the work was completed efficiently, whilst following all government guidance regarding social distancing."

On Twitter, Andy Downes said: "For 23 years since I moved here, this section of road has been awful.

"Finally, finally it’s been resurfaced properly. And we’re in lockdown! Good job @NNHighways."

The highways spokesman added that they will continue to work to their planned programme of highway works to improve communities and repair roads during the lockdown.

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