Traffic Calming Update (August 2024) – When will the NWRR open?

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The Parish Clerk received an email from WNC’s Major Projects Manager stating:-

  • WNC’s contractor Balfour Beatty will complete the construction of the Northampton North West Relief Road (NNWRR) by September 2024.
  • Some planting activities will take place this Autumn as this will be planting season.
  • WNC understand that Persimmon may have started some of their works and have programmed to complete in Spring / Summer 2025.
  • WNC’s ability to open the mainline of the NNWRR will be subject to Persimmon’s progress.
  • WNC have received the updated assessment of their traffic model which they hope to review by the end of September. So, they anticipate the next briefing to be either in October or November. (Note: this relates to the traffic calming measures to be implemented in Boughton parish)

In accordance the Parish Council’s resolution, the Parish Clerk made enquiries about the anticipated timescale between completion of construction and the road opening.

As this process is not managed by the Project Manager’s team, she could only provide general guidance based on standard practice in the UK (the process will be managed by WNC Highways Adoption Team and Persimmon):-

  • it is a lengthy process over several weeks if not months
  • Once Persimmon have completed their works i.e. the construction of their section of new road, WNC will have to be content:-
    • this has been done in line with the granted permissions; and
    • that an independent Road Safety Audit (RSA) has been undertaken with no critical issues being raised.
  • This may be complete within 3 to 6 months following the completion of the works, unless Persimmon have to undertake some critical remedial works.
  • If the above is complete in a satisfactory manner, the road may be open to the public. That may take another 3 months. However, WNC colleagues may agree with Persimmon that WNC should proceed with the adoption of the road built by Persimmon so it does become public highway, and then give access to the public.

The Project Manager doubted any more specific updates may be shared until Persimmon have completed their construction works of the new road in Spring / Summer 2025 and wanted to emphasise two issues:-

  1. Construction works are subject to existing site constraints, and unforeseen weather and ground conditions. Hence any unforeseen events that may arise may cause delays.
  2. WNC have no control over Persimmon’s construction works nor programme.