A6 shortcut to be closed until Chowns Mill improvement works completed

A shortcut used by drivers to bypass queues on the A6 will be closed until completion of the Chowns Mill improvement works.

The temporary closure of Old Station Road near the roundabout follows complaints about people using it as a shortcut to avoid queuing on the A6.

A spokesman for Highways England, which is carrying out the improvements to the junction, said: "We’ve worked with our colleagues in Northamptonshire County Council and from early June 2020, Station Road will no longer be available as a through route."

While the road will be closed to through traffic, access for pedestrians and cyclists will be maintained.

Cllr Jason Smithers, Northamptonshire County Council's cabinet member for highways and place, said: “From June 10, 2020, Old Station Road/A6 will no longer be available as a through route.

“This is a temporary arrangement which will be in place until the Chowns Mill Improvement Scheme has been completed in 2021.

“Highways England, which is carrying out the works, has received several complaints from customers about people bypassing queues on the A6 bridge (southbound) and using Old Station Road as a shortcut to join the queue nearer to Chowns Mill.

“The residents and businesses along Old Station Road have reported incidents of speeding and inconsiderate driving.

“The county council has worked with Highways England to agree a temporary closure of this road at both ends of the bridge.

"Access for businesses will be maintained as well as pedestrian and cycle routes into Stanwick Lakes.

“The road is very narrow and the behaviour of drivers is creating a safety issue.

"It is having a negative impact on the people who use this route for work and who live there.

“Barriers will be put in place at the bridge to prohibit access for motorised vehicles but pedestrian and cyclists access will be maintained.

“Access to the businesses at the lower end of Old Station Road will be off the roundabout, past Irthlingborough, while access to Allens Metals, will be from the slip road opposite the Old Mill Interiors.

“During the closure, essential bridge repairs will also be carried out.”

Work on the Chowns Mill A45/A6 junction started in February and is set to take 22 months to complete.

To read more about the £24 million project, click here

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