A43 all-set to become dual carriageway

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Plans to dual the A43 between it's busy Kettering to Northampton stretch are advancing.

However, a lack of funding means that the development of the proposed dual carriageway construction will be split into at least 4 phases.

A report before Northamptonshire County Council’s cabinet today (Tuesday, June 10) pin pointed on the phase between the Round Spinney and the Moulton roundabouts - with work set to commence in Spring 2015. 

Cllr Michael Clarke, county council cabinet member for transport, highways and environment, said: “A good link between Northampton and Kettering is absolutely essential for the county and a key priority for the county council.

“Anyone who has travelled on this route knows just how busy it can be and, not only is this inconvenient, it is also an impediment to further economic growth and associated benefits.

Around 20,000 vehicles use the A43 every day, with congestion being at it's worst heading south in the morning rush hour.

Traffic is set to become even more of a nightmare in the Kettering area due to the proposed widening of the A43. 

This comes at an awkward time, with the widening of the A14 into a three-lane through Junctions 7-9 still ongoing for at least another year.

Phase 1A - Improvements to Round Spinney roundabout. £3.425 million scheme set to start this financial year.

Phase 1B - Dual carriageway linking Round Spinney and Moulton roundabouts - £18.75 million scheme set to start Spring 2015.

Phase 2 - Extending the dual carriageway to the Moulton roundabout. Estimated to cost £20 million.

Further phases - Further extension of dual carriageway from the Holcot/Sywell roundabout to the A14. Estimated cost £65 million.

By Stephen Matthews