A43 Moulton bypass back on target to be fully open by late-May

Completion of the A43 Moulton bypass is back on target for the end of May despite hold-ups due to the Covid-19 crisis.

Work on the one-mile stretch between the Round Spinney roundabout in Northampton and a new junction at Overstone Grange was halted as main contractors Balfour Beatty and its suppliers shuffled staff not affected by self-isolation.

But engineers are due back on site on Monday (May 4) with the target of finishing all the outstanding work by the end of the month.

A County Council spokesman said: "Northamptonshire Highways vacated the A43 Northampton to Kettering Improvement site earlier this month whilst the contractor and supply chain found ways to overcome the challenges presented by Covid-19 and the Government guidance on social distancing.

"Thanks to the hard work by everyone involved, the contractor now feels that a safe return to work can be achieved for both site staff and the public. A phased return to work will commence on May 4.

"The new section of the A43 is already open to traffic with one lane in each direction with a speed restriction of 30mph. This restriction will remain in place, whilst works are ongoing to ensure the safety of road users and our workforce. Once works are complete the permanent speed limit will be 40mph.

"Following a return to site we will be completing footpath and drainage works, surfacing the paths, completing and commissioning the new traffic signals and installing road signs and markings. These works should not require any road closure.

"Completion was due for spring and we are delighted that we will still be able to open this phase of the A43 at the end of May."

The new stretch of road is part of a £27million scheme to remove traffic hotspots on the main route connecting Northampton and Kettering.

One section of dual carriageway north of Moulton was up and running in early 2018. The rest of the road is open, but running with single lanes in both directions.

County Council chiefs are currently investigating funding and delivery opportunities for the next phase of the A43 improvements.

The council is prioritising essential repairs such as potholes and pavement repairs to ensure the highways remain safe and open. This means that roadworks will continue, including essential utilities work to water, gas, electricity and telecommunications supplies. Watch how we work with utilities

Some of our work is taking longer to deal with than usual, but you should still tell us about safety critical issues using our Street Doctor service

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