Major highways projects
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A361 Chipping Warden Relief Road
The A361 runs through Chipping Warden and serves as the main route between Daventry and the M40. The level of traffic through the village has long been a concern for local residents. HS2 Limited are constructing a relief road to remove through traffic from the centre of the village.
Description of the scheme
High Speed Two (HS2) is a high speed railway which will connect major cities in Britain. A dedicated high speed rail service between London and the West Midlands is expected to open between 2029 and 2033.
The A361 is the approved route for construction traffic to access one of the main construction sites in Northamptonshire. It is located just to the north of Chipping Warden on the former airfield.
Stage one of the Relief Road extends from the A361 just north of Hogg End to a point north of Long Barrow. It was opened to traffic in June 2021, ahead of the main construction compound being fully operational.
Stage two will see the connection to the A361 altered to suit the permanent road layout. This will commence once HS2 Ltd have built the cut and cover tunnel for the new railway.
The approved plans for the Relief Road can be viewed on the Chipping Warden Parish Council website.
Benefits of the scheme
The Relief Road removes the need for traffic to travel via the village centre. This will reduce the number of vehicles in the centre of Chipping Warden, improve air quality, noise levels and road safety.
The Relief Road is a permanent feature so the village will continue to benefit once High Speed Two is completed.
Scheme cost and how it will be funded
High Speed Two Limited contractors designed and built the Relief Road. We made a £2 million contribution towards the cost of the scheme.
Public consultation
We undertook public consultation on possible routes in summer 2014. Strong support for a relief road to the west of Chipping Warden was received. High Speed Two Limited undertook public consultation as part of Additional Provision 2 in July 2015.
Further information on the High Speed Two project through Northamptonshire is available on the HS2 website.
Last updated 08 April 2025