Chowns Mill roundabout upgrade will see 22 MONTHS of roadworks

Highways England has confirmed work will soon begin on the £21m project where the A45 meets the A6 with access into Higham Ferrers. There will be road closures and reduced speed limits during 22 months of work until completion in about December 2022.

During the scheme all approaches and exits to the roundabout will be widened with an outer circulatory system, new controlled pedestrian crossing points, traffic lights, new signage, overhead gantries, upgrades to street lights and a 40mph speed limit throughout the junction.

Sections of the A45 and A6 will be closed during the work - including some full weekend closures - and narrow lanes will be introduced with a 40mph speed restriction.

A Highways England spokesman said they were unable to comment due to being under the pre-election period purdah.

But in a letter to local authorities, they said: "We will make sure that access to businesses and residences is maintained wherever possible.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused and will do our very best to complete the work as quickly as possible, keeping disturbances and noise to a minimum."

The letter added that, once completed, "all road users will benefit from improved road safety which will help to prevent congestion and collisions at peak times".

The roundabout has been described as one of the most dangerous and congested anywhere in the country.

Since 2014 there have been 18 crashes either on the roundabout or on the approach to it. Four of those were recorded as serious accidents.