Major highways projects
Contents
A45 Northampton Growth Management Scheme
The A45 Northampton Growth Management Scheme (NGMS) is a number of junction improvements along the A45 between M1 Junction 15 and the Great Billing Interchange.
The NGMS is a joint project between us and National Highways.
We are project managing the scheme and funding on behalf of all the project partners.
In total, seven junctions will be improved:
- M1 Junction 15
- A45 Wootton Interchange
- A45 Queen Eleanor Interchange
- A45 Brackmills Interchange
- A45 Barnes Meadow Interchange
- A45 Lumbertubs interchange
- A45 Great Billing interchange
Since the Cabinet’s decision in 2019, design activities have progressed for the future improvements on the A45 Northampton Growth Management Scheme (NGMS). A phased delivery has been considered in partnership with National Highways.
The first scheme to be delivered will focus on A45 Queen Eleanor interchange.
The remaining junctions will be improved as funding becomes available.
Queen Eleanor Interchange
West Northamptonshire’s Highways partner Kier Transportation will be starting the works on 31 March 2025.
The Queen Eleanor junction is a busy roundabout that joins the A45 trunk road with the A508 London Road, B526 Newport Pagnell Road and Hardingstone Lane.
As traffic has increased over the years, the junction has struggled to keep up, and improvements are needed to make it more efficient.
Scope
The entire interchange will comprise a consistent 3-lane capacity and require widening at the following locations:
- the existing bridge structures over the A45
- an 80 metre section of the London Road approach
- the junction circulatory including the existing northern over-bridge
- Newport Pagnell Road approach over a 100 metre-section
- slight realignment of Newport Pagnell Road exit from the circulatory
The works above the northern bridge deck will include the repairs of concrete joints and waterproofing. These improvements will necessitate some deep drainage connections on the Western and Eastern sides of the junction.
All street lighting will be changed to ensure all lighting columns are energy efficient.
Following new kerbing, new surfacing will be laid on the entire Interchange and new road markings and signs will be added.
The replacement of a short section of safety barrier on the North-eastern end of London Road will also be required.
The existing traffic signals will also be upgraded with an automated detection MOVA system.
You can view both the Schematics and General Arrangement below.
Benefits
National Highways granted Technical Approval to develop a scheme to improve capacity and reduce congestion in the area. These improvements will benefit the residents and motorists for now and the future.
Delivery phases
The outline programme of the Works includes the following key phases activities in 2025 that are subject to weather conditions and unforeseen events:
- April to May: site setting-up, environmental and structural surveys, site clearance
- June to July: structural works, utility diversions including deep drainage
- August to September: waterproofing, kerbing, and electrical connections
- October to November: installed equipment and surfacing
Traffic management
Temporary traffic management will be in place 24/7 from Monday 31 March. This is to ensure that carriageway widening, new traffic signs and signals, drainage works, and resurfacing are carried out in a safe and timely manner to protect the workforce and all users.
Subject to weather conditions and unforeseen events, we anticipate these works to be complete by Christmas 2025.
There will be lane closures on the Queen Eleanor roundabout, as well as on the road heading into Wootton Hall Park, with a full closure on the dedicated left-hand turn. A one-way system will be in place to minimise the impacts and motorist are advised to follow the signage.
Delays are likely and we appreciate your patience throughout this works. Wootton Park School will still be fully accessible during this time.
Full roundabout closures will be necessary at times which will mainly occur at nighttime whilst it is less busy. Dates will be communicated prior to any closure across our media channels. A full closure will be in place on the cul-de-sac on London Road.
We are engaging with the local residents and businesses that may be impacted by the scheme works. Access will be maintained at all times to properties and for emergency services, and during full closures, diversion routes will be in place.
What happens next
Further details of the programme will be shared with local residents and businesses as they become available.
Live updates will be available via the QR that is available via our Factsheets.
Last updated 08 April 2025