Emergency closure of Rushden's Ditchford Road for 12 days after reported gas leak
Ditchford Road, a route connecting Rushden to Wellingborough and Irthlingborough, has been closed while a gas leak is traced and repaired.
A diversion is in place at Ditchford Road’s roundabout junction with the A45.
The closure came into effect on January 5, with gas network provider Cadent confirming works on the 1.2-mile stretch of road – which is also known locally as Ditchford Lane – are planned to last 12 days.
A proposed diversion route totalling just over eight miles has been recommended, taking drivers through Stanton Cross in Wellingborough, past Irchester Country Park and through Rushden’s Wellingborough Road.
Ditchford Road had previously been closed from August 2024 until April 2025 after the grade-2 listed bridge over the River Nene was damaged by a combine harvester.
A spokesman for Cadent said: “We received a call earlier this month about a smell of gas in Ditchford Lane, Rushden, and our team was dispatched to the site to assess the situation and make things safe.
"Investigation work has been carried out, and an escape was discovered deep under the carriageway which requires a specialist repair in the form of an encapsulation clamp that fits around the gas pipe. We expect this repair work to be completed this week with the road being reinstated and fully open by Friday 16 January.
"We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we deal with this emergency repair work. This is all about keeping everyone safe.”