Here's what to expect from the roadworks at busy Northampton junction which caused two hour delays on A45 as nine-month scheme begins

Works to improve the Queen Eleanor roundabout officially started on Monday (March 31). A lane closure has now been implemented on the slip road on the westbound carriageway of the A45.

During rush hour today (Wednesday April 2), traffic was queueing back to the Wilby Way roundabout in Wellingborough, at one point, equating to around 10 miles of congestion.

One motorist reported that a the journey from Finedon to junction 15 of the M1 took two hours. Normally this journey would take around 30 minutes.

The congestion on the main road also caused chaos in surrounding areas, with motorists opting to travel through villages between Wellingborough and Northampton. This in turn caused delays on alternative routes.

This newspaper contacted Northamptonshire Police to ask if any other incidents happened on the A45 this morning, which could have impacted traffic. A spokeswoman confirmed there were two broken down vehicles – one between Brackmills and Mereway and another between Mereway and Collingtree, but no other incidents.

Traffic has remained backed up to Brackmills throughout the day, and further delays are expected as the evening rush hour begins.

What work is being done at the roundabout?

According to West Northamptonshire Council (WNC), the Queen Eleanor interchange is “no longer fit for purpose”, so essential works are needed to improve it and ultimately reduce congestion. The council said they know the works – and associated closures – will cause “significant delays for motorists”.

The works include carriageway widening, new traffic signs and signals, drainage works and resurfacing.

Councillor Phil Larratt, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at WNC, previously said: "We are committed to improving road infrastructure to better serve people who live, work and visit West Northants. The Queen Eleanor Interchange is a busy junction that is no longer fit for purpose, and this scheme is crucial to reduce congestion and keep traffic moving.

"We know that as works progress, there will be significant delays for motorist and inconvenience to those who live in the area. We appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation during this period of improvement.”

Are long delays expected again tomorrow?

The works started with two night-time closures from 8pm on Tuesday (April 1) to 6am on Wednesday (April 2) and again from 8pm on Wednesday to 6am on Thursday (April 3). These closures are in place to allow workers to install traffic management measures on the roundabout and adjoining roads, to “ensure safety throughout the scheme”.

The traffic management measures referred to in documentation published by Keir Transportation and WNC, are 24/7 lane closures on the A45 slip roads at the junction, as well as a lane closure on the roundabout and traffic lights turned off on the roundabout.

As per the information provided by Kier and WNC, the westbound carriageway slip road closure was implemented overnight into today (Wednesday April 2). The slip road lane closure on the eastbound carriageway is expected to be implemented overnight tonight, taking effect tomorrow (Thursday April 3).

How long will these closures be in place?

The improvement scheme is due to last until the end of the year, with the 24/7 lane closures expected to be in place across the course of the works.

Full roundabout closures and night-time closures will be needed during the works – dates for which will be announced at least two weeks prior, according to Kier.

This newspaper has contacted WNC to ask if there is anything that can be done to help ease congestion during the works and whether this level of congestion is expected throughout the scheme.

Read what Kier and WC have said about the Queen Eleanor interchange improvement scheme here.

Delays are also expected at the Riverside roundabout on Wednesday April 2 and Thursday April 3. Traffic lights are turned off and there are lane closures, while works are underway to replace damaged traffic lights. The works are expected to be complete by 3.30pm on Thursday.