Residents invited to help shape Northampton's future transport network

29 September 2026

West Northamptonshire Council is consulting on a new strategy that sets out a long-term vision for improving transport across Northampton as it continues to grow and develop.

The town is expected to see continued growth in housing, employment and town centre development, creating additional demands on the transport network.

The draft Northampton Area Transport Strategy looks ahead to 2036 and beyond, identifying ways to support future growth, reduce congestion and give people more attractive alternatives to private car travel.

It has been informed by evidence and people’s feedback, and sets out a vision to make walking, cycling and public transport more attractive and accessible.

The draft strategy identifies a number of key challenges facing Northampton today, including barriers created by major roads, gaps in walking and cycling networks, limited bus frequency in some areas, poor bus and rail integration, and difficulties accessing key employment sites without a car.

A long list of 155 potential transport improvements has been assessed, with 61 priority ideas identified for further development and funding opportunities. These include:

• New and improved walking, wheeling and cycling routes
• Bus priority measures on key roads
• Mobility hubs to improve connections between different forms of transport
• Traffic management improvements
• Enhanced public spaces in key locations
• Smarter parking and travel information systems

Priority schemes are proposed across the town, including improvements along Harborough Road and Kettering Road, better connections to Brackmills and Weston Favell, enhanced routes into and around the town centre, improved access to major employment areas and stronger links with surrounding villages.

Cllr Richard Butler, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: "Anyone who travels around Northampton knows there are times when the network comes under pressure.

“As the town continues to grow, we need to think carefully about how people get to work, school, the shops and other key destinations.

"We're looking at ideas that could improve bus services, make it safer and easier to walk and cycle, and help tackle congestion in some of the busiest parts of the town.

"Nothing has been decided yet, which is why we're asking people to take a look at the proposals and tell us what they think.

“Local knowledge is incredibly important, and we want residents to help shape these plans."

Residents can read the consultation documents and complete the online survey before 15 November 2026.