Final stage of Sandy Lane Relief Road set to open

06 August 2025

The final stretch of a much-anticipated relief road to ease congestion and improve connectivity across Northampton will open to motorists next week.  

Following the completion of the southern section of the Sandy Lane Relief Road to the A4500 junction, West Northamptonshire Council’s highways partner Kier has been conducting essential technical works, quality and safety inspections during June and July to ensure it is ready for vehicles.

This final section of the road will now open to motorists from next Tuesday (12 August), providing better relief to local communities to the north and west of Northampton including Duston and Harpole.

"It’s great news that we’ve managed to get the final stage of the Sandy Lane Relief Road over the line and open to the public ahead of the busy autumn season.

"Thanks to partnership working with Homes England, Miller Homes, Vistry Homes and Kier Transportation, the road will reduce traffic and provide better connectivity, particularly to those in the Harpole and Duston area.

"As with all major projects like this, it was important that after its completion we carried out all the necessary safety audits and remedial works before opening it to the public. I’d like to thank motorists for their patience and understanding whilst the work took place and hope the new road improves their journeys. We are committed to improving local roads and will continue to move forward projects that will benefit people for years to come."Cllr Richard Butler, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport

"Working closely with West Northamptonshire Council, we're pleased to deliver part of this important scheme which enhances connectivity across the region. This will be an important link to the North and West of the county, and we look forward to seeing how the route will improve journeys and have a positive impact across the community."Peter Ingram, Contracts Director at Kier Transportation

Residents can keep up to date with highways projects across the area on our Major Projects page.