Introduction

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

In this month’s issue:

• Monthly performance - leave no defect behind
• White Mills Bridge update
• Surfacing - Surface dressing, Regen In-Situ Recycling and Micro Asphalt updates
• A6 Irthlingborough Viaduct
• Steel Road, Corby
• Looking ahead including how we are utilising the quieter network during school holidays
• Pilot network enhancement scheme

Leave no defect behind

In a bid to leave no defect behind, we have placed a strong focus on getting repairs right first time by using the patching method.

Patching is a way of repairing damaged areas of road by removing worn or defective sections and replacing them with new material. It allows us to treat not just the most severe defects, but also the surrounding areas showing early signs of deterioration.

This is a shift from previous approaches, where repairs were often carried out only when defects reached a set level. As a result, smaller issues nearby could be left untreated, leading to repeat visits and further damage over time.

By using patching more proactively, we can repair whole sections in one go. Delivering longer‑lasting fixes, reducing repeat work, and improving the overall condition of the network.

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 cut now complete. The second cut will commence in July, followed by the third cut in late summer.

Weed spraying began on Tuesday 7 April 2026 with the first round of weed treatment complete across all parish areas, as well as in Kettering, Wellingborough and Corby.

The second spray will be completed in June.

Key schemes being delivered

White Mills Bridge, Earls Barton – Bridge Replacement Scheme

Significant progress continues to be made on the White Mills Bridge replacement scheme, with the project remaining on track for completion and reopening to traffic by 29 June 2026.

The bridge structure has now been successfully installed including the installation of the parapets, completion of drainage infrastructure behind the retaining walls, and construction of the permanent bridge approaches.

Entering the final stages of the project, the teams focus turns to finishing works such as brickwork, kerbing, ducting, fencing, surfacing and road markings ahead of reopening. Temporary access structures are being removed as the scheme progresses towards completion.

Despite several unforeseen challenges encountered during construction, including additional structural and utility-related works, close collaboration between North Northamptonshire Council, Kier Highways team, CLM and specialist subcontractors has ensured the programme remains on schedule.

Once complete, the new bridge will provide a modern, resilient structure capable of serving the local community for many years to come, improving both the safety and reliability for all users.

We would like to thank local residents, businesses, the marina, and road users for their continued patience and support while these vital works are complete

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, showing the ongoing deterioration of the embankment, with the potential for further localised slips. The delta‑block temporary safety barrier and the 40mph speed restriction will 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.

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

Resurfacing works complete on Steel Road, Corby

After 15 overnight road closures of Steel Road, we are pleased to say the essential resurfacing works along the A6116 are now complete. These works form part of the wider programme of highway repairs.

Resurfacing improvements are designed to enhance ride quality, improve safety, and extend the operational life of this important industrial route. By carrying out a series of overnight road closures, this aids us to minimise disruption to the wider road network, and ensure affected businesses remained operational throughout the duration of the works.

Given the significant number of businesses operating 24 hours a day within the area, the scheme required careful planning and coordination throughout, working closely with local businesses and stakeholders to manage access requirements wherever it is safe and practical to do so.

We would like to extend our thanks the wider community for their patience and cooperation whilst these essential works were carried out to programme.

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. Through trial hole investigations, the concrete deck was found to be in considerably poorer condition than previously indicated. As a result, the original scope of works required a revision to ensure the long-term durability of the viaduct and carriageway improvements.

To support this, further trial holes were undertaken during the previously scheduled closure. These investigations were successfully completed in collaboration with Wykes Engineering, who installed ducts in the east verge. Their works, which had originally been planned for a later date under two-way traffic signals, were also delivered during this closure period. This collaborative approach enabled multiple workstreams to be completed within a single closure, reducing the need for additional future disruption.

We are currently preparing to return to site from Friday 31 July (8pm) to Monday 10 August (6am), under a 24/7 full road closure. During this closure, we will:

• Remove the existing surfacing and re-waterproof the bridge deck
• Carry out concrete repairs where required
• Install a new spray-applied waterproofing system

This process is weather dependent and must take place in dry conditions. To limit disruption to local road users, we are taking the opportunity to carry out the works during the quieter summer holiday period to maximise efficiency ahead of winter, and deliver additional works within the same closure. These will include:

• Signalisation improvements to Station Road – Road Safety Fund Phase 2
• Routine cyclical maintenance works, including gully cleansing, patching, carriageway cleansing, sweeping, and litter picking
• A principal bridge inspection of the viaduct, undertaken every six years, involving a specialist rope access team to assess all high-level elements

This approach will help minimise the need for further closures later in the year and we will also continue proactively engage with residents and other stakeholders as we plan these works.

Surface dressing programme

The 2026 Surface Dressing Programme is now underway, following the successful completion of all planned pre-patching works across the network. These preparatory repairs have ensured roads are in the best possible condition ahead of treatment, helping to maximise the lifespan and effectiveness of the surface dressing process.

Despite some disruption caused by adverse weather conditions and operational constraints, good progress has been made across the programme. The delivery team has successfully recovered lost time on several occasions and continues to adapt the programme to make the most of available working windows.

As with all surface dressing operations, weather remains a key factor in delivery. Periods of rain and unseasonably high temperatures have required some sites to be rescheduled, with works on sections of the A43 and A6 moved to later dates to ensure the treatment is applied under the correct conditions.

Surface dressing remains one of the most cost-effective preventative maintenance treatments available, helping to preserve road surfaces, improve skid resistance, and prevent water ingress before more extensive deterioration occurs. Please continue to review

North Northamptonshire Planned Works  page for rescheduled dates.

Regen in-situ recycling

Alongside the surface dressing programme, preparations continue for the 2026 Regeneration In-Situ Recycling schemes at Harley Way, Brigstock Sunday 21 June to Tuesday 14 July, and Desborough Road, Pipewell Saturday 27 June to Monday July. These innovative schemes will recycle and strengthen existing road materials in-situ, reducing waste and supporting North Northamptonshire Council's commitment to sustainable highway maintenance.

The programme will continue throughout the summer months, with crews working closely with local communities and stakeholders to minimise disruption while delivering improvements across the highway network.

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.

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.

Micro asphalt

Micro asphalt is a modern road surface treatment that is applied over the existing road to create a new, smooth, and durable layer. It helps to seal the surface, improve grip, and protect the road from any future water damage - which can lead to potholes and deterioration. We use micro asphalt as a preventative measure to extend the life of the road where surface dressing is not suitable, it avoids the need for more disruptive reconstruction works in the future. Ahead of these surfacing works, preparation work known as pre‑patching is carried out to repair any uneven areas and ensure the road is in the right condition. This helps the new surface perform as intended and last longer when it is applied in September 2026.

Drainage improvement works - Thorpe Malsor

Drainage improvement works on Church Way and Eagle Lane, Thorpe Malsor, have now been successfully completed. The scheme delivered significant drainage enhancements, including new and upgraded gullies and improvements to the existing drainage network, helping to better manage surface water and reduce the risk of flooding in the area. The scheme is now in the final stages of surface dressing.

The project presented a number of technical challenges, including a highly constrained working environment and the discovery of abandoned underground utilities. Through close collaboration between Kier Infrastructure, North Northamptonshire Council, and utility partners, these challenges were successfully overcome, allowing the scheme to be delivered safely and efficiently.

Particular thanks were extended to Anglian Water for their swift response and practical support on site. Their assistance in helping remove a substantial concrete obstruction was instrumental in maintaining progress and ensuring the successful completion of the project. We would also like to extend thanks to residents for their patience and cooperation throughout the works.

Footway improvements in Corby

Gainsborough Road:

Footway improvement works on Gainsborough Road, Corby commenced on Monday 11 May 2026 and have now been successfully completed.

A road closure, along with a fully signed diversion route, was in place for the duration of the works to ensure they were carried out safely.

Blackmore Avenue:

Footway improvement works on Blackmore Avenue, Corby have now been completed, with the scheme concluding on Friday 15 May 2026.

A road closure, along with a fully signed diversion route, was in place throughout the works to support safe delivery.

Stakeholder engagement and social impact

In May, the social value activities included:

• Litter picking volunteering
• Daylight Centre Foodbank volunteering
• Donation to Northamptonshire carers to fund a fun day out for young carers
• DWP SWAP work experience week 1 completed with two jobseekers

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 Highways service.

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. Please continue to look out for an invite from our Community Liason Officers.

Looking ahead

Dates for your diary

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

Making the most of road space to deliver key highway improvements

As we approach the school holidays, we are taking a proactive and carefully planned approach to utilising road space across North Northamptonshire.

This period provides a valuable opportunity to carry out essential highway improvements while traffic levels are lower and the impact on schools and daily journeys is reduced. By aligning our programme with the holidays, we can complete works more efficiently, safely, and with less disruption to residents and road users.

Coordinated approach to road space

Through close coordination and forward planning, road space has been secured and managed to ensure multiple activities can be delivered effectively. This includes:

• Scheduling works during off-peak hours (typically within daytime windows) to minimise congestion
• Using appropriate traffic management, including road closures and lane restrictions, only where necessary
• Coordinating with partners and contractors to maximise productivity within each booking
• Ensuring clear diversion routes and advance signage are in place

This approach ensures we make the best possible use of the network while maintaining safe access for emergency services, residents, and businesses. Key Schemes being delivered during the holiday period:

Pilot network enhancement scheme – A6003

From Monday 27 July, we will begin a pilot network enhancement scheme along the A6003, between Oakley Roundabout and the A43 Geddington Bypass.

This collaborative approach will bring together several key services in one coordinated programme, including:

• Street cleansing
• Ironwork adjustments
• Repairs to lay-by damage
• Vegetation clearance
• Litter picking

By combining these activities, we can reduce the need for repeated road space possession and minimise disruption. Further information will follow on progress and locations.

A509 Pytchley Road

We will be carrying out essential carriageway resurfacing, including planing and resurfacing to improve the condition and lifespan of the road.

Due to high traffic volumes and its proximity to a popular local attraction, the works are being carefully managed. Advance signage and diversion routes will be in place, including guidance for visitors using alternative routes where needed.

Blackpot Lane, Oundle

This scheme will improve traffic flow and safety through changes to the road layout and supporting infrastructure, helping to reduce vehicle conflict along this constrained route.

To support delivery:

• Short-duration full road closures will be used where required
• Works are scheduled during the school holidays and daytime hours
• Traffic management will be in place to maintain safe access

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.

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