Introduction

Welcome to our May 2026 Highways Highlights Report, bringing you the latest highlights from our Highways service.

In this month’s issue:

• Monthly performance updates including the winter service
• Road network update
• Thorpe Malsor drainage works update
• White Mills Bridge update
• Surface Dressing, pre patching update
• A6 Irthlingborough Viaduct
• Steele Road, Corby
• Looking ahead including the new Highways Inspection Maintenance and Response Framework

Monthly Updates

Defects (April 2026)

Total number of all defects repaired in April 2026: 1,902 (excluding emergencies)

Total pothole repairs (including footway defects): 1,659 (excluding emergencies)

Emergencies and P1-P4 defects due in April that were completed:

• Emergencies (response within two hours): 138
• P1 (response within 24 hours): 3
• P2 (response within 7 days): 153
• P3 (response within 28 days): 572
• P4: (response within 26 weeks): 1,025

Three‑month overview of emergency defects and Priority 1–4 repairs. There is a sharp increase in emergency, P1 (response within 24 hours) and P2 (response within 7 days) defects during January and February, with March and April showing a steady decrease.

The increase in emergencies and P2 defects during these months placed additional pressure on resources and led to disruption of already planned P3 and P4 works, which were temporarily deprioritised to address higher‑risk safety issues.

As we move towards the summer months and weather conditions continue to improve, we have seen a return to baseline in customer enquiries compared with the past 4 months. However, pressures on the road network remain, and deterioration caused by winter weather is still being addressed.

Despite this, our highways crews are out every day prioritising safety‑critical repairs and doing everything possible to keep the network safe and moving.

Why some repairs are temporary

At present, our priority is to deal with the most urgent safety issues caused by sudden or severe damage to the highway. Many of these emergency repairs are temporary by design. This allows us to make locations safe as quickly as possible, before returning to deliver more permanent, longer‑lasting repairs once weather conditions are suitable and proper works can be planned and carried out.

Looking Ahead: Bigger Preventative Programme This Summer

To help reduce future potholes and improve long term road condition, we are preparing for a significantly expanded preventative capital programme this summer. This will include an extensive schedule of surface dressing and micro asphalt treatments across North Northamptonshire. Increased investment in these preventative techniques will help seal and protect road surfaces, extend asset life and reduce the number of reactive repairs needed in future winters.

End of Winter Service Update 2025/2026

As we move into spring, we’ve now reached the end of this year’s winter service season, which officially concluded on 11 April 2026. During March, conditions were relatively mild, with the lowest road surface temperature recorded at -0.5°C. In response, our teams carried out eight precautionary gritting runs to help keep roads safe for all users.

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated Winter Service teams for their continued commitment and hard work over the past six months, supporting communities right across North Northamptonshire. Looking ahead, we are now beginning a review of grit bin requests received this season. This will ensure all assessments and any agreed changes are completed in good time ahead of the 2026/2027 winter season.

Cyclical weed spraying and grass cutting

Our annual cyclical weed spraying and grass cutting programme is progressing across North Northamptonshire. Delivery of these works is dependent on suitable weather conditions.

Grass cutting started on Monday 13 April 2026 with the first cuts being completed in the following Parishs:

Stoke Doyle, Pilton Wadenhoe, Aldwincle, Thorpe Waterville, AchurchLilford/Wigthorpe, Clopton, Thurning, Luddington in the Brook, Hemington, Ashton, Polebrook, Lutton, Tansor, Cotterstock, Fotheringhay, Apethorpe, Southwick, Yarwell, Duddington, Wakerley, Easton on the Hill, Collyweston, Harringworth & Shotley, Kings Cliffe, Laxton, Blatherwycke, Bulwick, Deene, East Carlton, Slipton, Lowick, Little Stanion, Twywell, Ringstead, Great Addington

The remainder will have their first cut in May 2026:

Gretton, Ashley, Weston by Welland, Dingley, Brampton Ash, Braybrooke, Desborough, Rothwell, Harrington, Orton, Loddington, Thorpe Malsor, Cransley, Mawsley, Broughton, Pytchley, Finedon, Burton Latimer, Warkton, Weekley, Geddington Newton & Little Oakley, Stanion, Grafton Underwood, Cranford St John, Cranford St Andrew, Little Addington and Strixton.

Weed spraying began on Tuesday 7 April 2026

The first round of weed treatment has now been completed across all parish areas, as well as in Kettering and Wellingborough. Works are currently ongoing in Corby.

Key Schemes Being Delivered

Drainage Improvements Update in Thorpe Malsor

Progress continues in the final phase of drainage improvement works in Thorpe Malsor, Church Way. Due to the bad weather at the start of the year and the discovery of abandoned utilities, the scheme is due to be completed on Friday 15 May 2026.

To reduce disruption for local residents, works are being carried out in phases moving east to west, with road closures in place as sections progress. Signed diversion routes are in place. Vehicle access to properties within the active works area may be restricted until a safe surface is reinstated. Pedestrian access will be maintained where it is safe to do so.

Key improvements include:

• Full drainage enhancement works along Eagle Lane and Church Way

• New and upgraded gullies to improve water management

A43 Broughton Embankment Works Update

With the preparatory design and safety works now complete, the embankment strengthening programme has moved into the design phase, which is expected to be finished by June 2026. Weekly inspections continue following concerns raised by Broughton Parish Council, and these show ongoing deterioration of the embankment, with the potential for further localised slips. The delta‑block temporary safety barrier and the 40mph speed restriction remain in place to help maintain the integrity of the road.

The new design will include a retaining wall to prevent further deterioration of the embankment, a safety fence alongside the carriageway, and screening to protect the properties located below. Legal enquiries relating to land access are being progressed by North Northamptonshire Council’s legal team, and works will begin once these access matters are resolved.

We remain on programme for the design stage, in March we engaged with contractors to review buildability and ensure the design can be practically delivered on site.

Footway Improvements on Gainsborough Road, Corby

Footway improvement works begins on Monday 11 May 2026 on Gainsborough Road, Corby, and are expected to last for approximately 20 days. A road closure, along with a fully signed diversion route, will be in place for the duration of the works to allow them to be carried out safely.

Footway Improvements on Blackmore Ave, Corby

Footway improvement works are continuing on Blackmore Avenue, Corby, and are expected be concluded on Friday 15 May 2026. A road closure, along with a fully signed diversion route, is in place for the duration of the works to allow them to be carried out safely.

A6 Irthlingborough Viaduct

Works on the A6 Irthlingborough commenced as planned on Friday 8 May 2026. During the initial construction phase, our team identified unexpected challenges where the concrete deck was in considerably poorer condition than previously revealed by trial hole investigations. This unforeseen circumstance means our original scope of works must be revised to ensure the longevity of the viaduct and carriageway improvements.

As a result, we will return to the site to undertake additional trial holes to fully assess the area on the dates that were scheduled for Phase B of works:

• Full Closure from Friday 29 May 2026, 8pm - Monday 1 June 2026, 6am
• Contingency Overnight Closure Monday 1 June, 8pm - Tuesday 2 June, 6am

The comprehensive re-waterproofing works, which were initially scheduled for earlier completion, are now planned for summer 2026 in light of these developments.

We appreciate your patience as we address these issues and remain committed to delivering a safe and durable solution.

Further updates will be provided as works progress.

Surface dressing programme

Pre patching

Ahead of Surface Dressing preparation work is essential. We call this pre‑patching, it is important because it fixes any uneven areas on the road to ensure it is in good condition for surface dressing. This helps make sure the surface dressing lasts longer and works as it should. All 17 pre patching sites identified for pre- patching have now been completed.

What is surface dressing?

Surface Dressing is the most cost-effective road surface treatment used to prolong the life of roads that are starting to show the first signs of minor deterioration. It improves the road surface, skid resistance and seals the surface to stop water getting in. This protects it from damage caused by severe winter weather conditions and traffic.

How is surface dressing laid?

The material consists of a thin film of bitumen that is sprayed on to the road surface followed by one or two layers of chippings. The chippings are then rolled into the bitumen by a heavy roller to form an interlocking, long lasting surface.

We use full road closures to carry out this work. This process is completed quickly and can be driven on immediately, under reduced speed limits. These are put in place to protect road workers, reduce the risk of damage from loose chippings and for the safety of all the public. Loose chippings are swept away after 24 hours and again after four/ five days. We will return to sweep the road again after this if necessary. A temporary 20mph restriction will be in place.

Why are we doing it now?

Surface Dressing is carried out during the spring/summer months as the bitumen works best on a dry surface. Surface dressing cannot be carried out in cold or excessively hot or wet weather. Although we always endeavour to stay to our programme date, this could mean that our crew cannot work on the day we have notified. Works will be rescheduled.

Surface Dressing 2026 will begin on Thursday 28 May 2026, site locations can be found here

Regen In-Situ Recycling - surfacing scheme

This process rebuilds the road by reusing as much of the existing material as possible, reducing waste and improving sustainability.

How it works:

• Investigation and testing Engineers carry out surveys, including cores and trial holes, to understand the thickness and condition of the existing road and the strength of the ground below. Traffic levels, particularly heavy vehicles, may also be assessed.
• Breaking up the existing road The road is broken up (pulverised) to a depth typically between 150mm and 200mm using specialist machinery. The material is left in place.
• Adding binding material A cement-based powder is spread over the broken material.
• Mixing and strengthening The material is mixed with water and the cement powder to create a strong, stabilised base layer.
• Sealing the surface The new layer is sealed with either a surface dressing or a layer of asphalt. This prevents water from entering and protects the new road structure.

The following locations have been identified as suitable for in-situ recycling, trial holes have now been completed with works programmed for:

Harley Way, Brigstock Sunday 21 June to Tuesday 14 July

Desborough Road, Pipewell Saturday 27 June to Monday July

Advanced notice signage and diversion routes will be in place, and engagement with local stakeholders is being undertaken to help manage access requirements where possible.

County Boundary signs

Completed Works

Barton Road, Kettering Footway Reconstruction

Works started on 28 March 2026 and completed 2 April 2026 on Barton Road, Kettering. Multi‑way traffic signals were in place for the duration of the works to allow the work to be carried out safely.

Stakeholder Engagement & Social Impact

Social Impact in April

Town and Parish Walkabouts

Following the decision to discontinue the Highways Library drop-in sessions, a new programme of Parish and Town Council walkabouts has been introduced for 2026/27. This initiative provides councils with a more direct and practical opportunity to engage with both the NNC Community Liaison Team and Kier’s Highways Maintenance team.

The walkabouts are designed to support focused, on-site discussions around local highways matters, including carriageway and footway maintenance, drainage, vegetation, winter service, traffic signals, Rights of Way, and wider concerns such as speeding and parking.

Interest in the programme has been positive, with a number of councils already registering to take part. A structured schedule is now being developed to accommodate requests across the financial year, with priority given to those areas that have not had recent engagement opportunities.

These sessions are intended to strengthen relationships with local councils, improve visibility of highways processes, and ensure concerns are addressed in a collaborative and transparent manner.

CarKraft 2026

In partnership with the Northamptonshire Safer Roads Alliance (NRSA), carKraft is a free road safety event where young drivers aged 17-30 are safely put into scenarios which they may face on the road including an ice hill, or a car skidding out of control.

Our first carKraft session of 2026 was held on Sunday 12th April!

Mature Drivers 2026 – Oundle | 18 May 2026

Driving plays an important role in everyday life, The Northamptonshire Safer Roads Alliance (NSRA) is keen to help mature drivers stay safe and confident on the road for longer. As we get older, our driving ability can change for a variety of reasons.

Recognising these changes and understanding how to adapt can help protect both ourselves and other road users.

This Mature Drivers Event, aimed at drivers aged 60 and over, will cover a wide range of driving‑related topics. There will also be free ‘hints and tips’ drives available to book, delivered by Northampton Advanced Motorists, offering practical advice to support safer driving.

Venue: Fletton House, Fletton Way, Glapthorn Road, Oundle, PE8 4JA

Date: Monday 18 May 2026

Sessions: 10:00am and 12:30pm

📌 what3words: ///self.cloak.tonal

Free tickets must be booked in advance via Eventbrite

Innovation Spotlight: Digital Cameras

Did you know this year, we’ve invested in a suite of digital cameras to aid inspections and investigations through the Innovations Fund - including ten trail cameras, five 360 degree cameras, and a Ferret inspection camera. These tools will enable our teams to carry out preliminary site investigations in house, reducing costs and reliance on external contractors while speeding up the delivery of our services.

Highways Online Reporting Tool (HORT)

Highways online reporting tool (HORT) allows users to quickly report potholes, damaged signs, overgrown vegetation and track the status of reports. This is the quickest and most effective way for residents to report potholes and other highway issues. By encouraging the public to use HORT, you’ll be helping issues reach the right team faster. It is simple to use: just enter a North Northamptonshire postcode, street name and area, what3words location, or an existing report number. An interactive map makes it easy to pinpoint the exact spot, and residents can upload a photo too (if it’s safe to take one). Once submitted, the Highways team will review and investigate.

For emergencies: if there is an immediate danger to road users (such as severe flooding or a hazardous pothole), please call: 0300 126 3000

Looking Ahead

Dates for your Diary

• North Northamptonshire Local Access Forum (NNLAF): Wednesday 24th June 6pm - 7.30pm at Wellingborough Depot.

Steel Road, Corby – Surfacing & Patching Works

Planned highway maintenance works are due to commence on A6116 Steel Road, Corby, as part of ongoing investment in improving road condition across the network.

This will involve targeted patching and resurfacing works, taking place under night-time road closures from Monday 25 May to Friday 12 June 2026 (15 nights). Working overnight helps minimise disruption to daytime traffic on this key route.

These works are designed to address areas of deterioration, extend the lifespan of the carriageway, and improve safety and ride quality for road users.

Advanced notice signage and diversion routes will be in place, and engagement with local businesses and stakeholders is being undertaken to help manage access requirements where possible.

 

Highways Inspection Maintenance and Response Framework

At its meeting on 14 April 2026, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive formally approved the new Highway Maintenance Inspection & Response Framework (HMIRF), which came into effect from 1 May 2026.

The updated framework replaces the previous legacy document and provides clearer, more consistent guidance on how highway defects are inspected, risk-assessed, and prioritised for repair. It supports a more transparent, risk-based approach to maintaining the network, with a focus on safety and improving the efficiency of reactive maintenance.

Alongside this, the Executive also approved a new Speed Management Policy, setting out how speed concerns will be assessed and managed across the network, ensuring a clear and consistent approach aligned with national guidance and local priorities.

Together, these updates strengthen the Council’s highways policies, improve clarity around decision-making, and support the ongoing delivery of a safer and more resilient network for all road users. For more information visit: Executive set to discuss council’s approach to road defects | North Northamptonshire Council

 

Upcoming planned and maintenance works

One.Network (check live/upcoming roadworks across North Northamptonshire, plan journeys, avoid delays and sign up to email alerts)

Roadworks | North Northamptonshire Council (provides roadwork information)Upcoming

Planned works in North Northamptonshire (Minor improvements, accident and vandalism, Local Transport Grant funded schemes including vehicle activated signs, capital maintenance schemes, surfacing and patching, footways, surface dressing)

Made with Microsoft Sway

Create and share interactive reports, presentations, personal stories and more.