Further work to improve A43 on the horizon
02 April 2026
Work to improve the A43 between Northampton and Kettering is moving forward following confirmation of Government backing.
West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) have been given the green light to continue work on a business case to dual another section of the road.
This follows a Government announcement confirming a £27 billion national programme to upgrade England’s key roads, aiming to reduce congestion, improve journey times and support economic growth.
The Government programme funding the scheme was reviewed in late 2025, and has now been reduced from 41 to 16 local authority-led projects. The inclusion of the A43 scheme in this is a vote of confidence in the justification, value for money and deliverability of the project.
The former Northamptonshire County Council had already delivered earlier phases of improvement on the A43, including dualling between Round Spinney and Overstone Grange, which was completed in 2018.
The next phase will continue this work towards the busy Holcot Lane/Sywell Road roundabout, where delays are common at peak times.
Cllr Richard Butler, WNC Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “Improving the A43 is a priority for us because it’s a route so many people rely on every day.
“Dualling this stretch will make journeys smoother and more reliable, especially at the busy Holcot and Sywell roundabout where delays are a real frustration for drivers.
“It will also support the new homes and communities planned for the area, and create better links for people walking and cycling.
“We’re pleased to be working with the Government and our partners in North Northamptonshire to keep this project moving forward, and we’ll make sure residents are kept informed as plans develop.”
Further development of the business case will be supported by substantial funding from the DfT, with both councils also covering some of the cost but this is expected to require no more than a further £500,000 in total.
Once the next business case stage is complete, the aim is for the Government and the developer funding to cover the full cost of detailed design and construction. The Government’s contribution is currently expected to be at least £31 million, although this will be confirmed once the business case is finalised.
In total, around 4,850 new homes are planned along this corridor, making improved road capacity essential for managing future growth.
If the plans are approved at each milestone, construction is expected to begin in 2028 and finish by 2029.