Could improvements be on the way for A45 roundabout at Rushden Lakes?

Improvements could be on the way for the A45 Skew Bridge roundabout at Rushden Lakes.

The junction has always been a busy one, but traffic increased when Rushden Lakes first opened to shoppers in the summer of 2017.

Drivers trying to get into and out of the retail and leisure complex regularly complain about queues, but it seems that improvements could be on the way.

Earlier this year when plans for the Rushden Gateway development on land opposite Rushden Lakes were considered by East Northants Council, a report prepared for councillors made several references to possible remodelling of the Skew Bridge roundabout.

The report said: "A telephone conversation was held with the HE (Highways England) officer who confirmed that, although preliminary studies are taking place on the Skew Bridge roundabout, and that an improvement scheme may come to fruition in future, this is at a very early stage, and does not affect HE's position of no objection on this application."

Later on in the report, it says: "Highways England have verbally advised that the A45 roundabout is being considered for improvements, but that the work is at an early stage, with no scheme yet identified, or any timeframe for implementation."

The Rushden Gateway plans went on to be turned down by councillors, but the application certainly raised questions about traffic and congestion in the area.

And it looks like improvements could be on the way for this very busy junction, although further details on what these will be and when they will be implemented is not yet known.

A Highways England spokesman told the Northants Telegraph: “The A45 Skew Bridge roundabout is being considered for improvements but the preliminary studies are at an early stage with no scheme yet identified or any time frame for implementation.”

Improvement works are currently being carried out further along the A45 at the Chowns Mill roundabout near Irthlingborough.

These are due for completion in winter 2021/22.

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