Essential upgrade to White Mills Bridge, Earls Barton to start

06 January 2026

North Northamptonshire Council, in partnership with Kier, will begin essential works on White Mills Bridge, located between Grendon Road and Station Road, Earls Barton, from 12 January 2026.

The works will see a full bridge deck replacement to ensure the long-term safety and future proof this key route. The project is part-funded by the Department for Transport through the Local Transport Grant, from which North Northamptonshire Council received £7.728 million for 2025/26 to fund a range of transport schemes across the local area.

Works are expected to be completed in summer 2026.

For safety reasons and due to the complexity of the works, a full road closure will be in place for the duration of the project. Pedestrian access across the bridge will not be available during this time. A signed diversion route will be provided for drivers.

Scheme elements include:

• Demolition of the existing road bridge over a navigable water course
• Installation of new foundations and bridge deck
• Carriageway reconstruction and resurfacing after the bridge works
• Carriageway surface dressing on the approaches to the bridge

White Mills Bridge is an ageing structure that requires a full deck replacement to meet modern safety standards. This upgrade will enable full loading capacity for HGVs which it currently lacks. This investment will deliver a stronger, safer bridge for decades to come.

This is a prime example of investing in our highways network - using funds received from central government for projects that make a real difference to residents and communities across the area.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank residents, businesses and motorists for their understanding whilst work is carried out to deliver this essential upgrade and hope they can see the long-term benefits.

Schemes like this are about looking to the future - ensuring we have a highways infrastructure that is suitable for decades to come.Cllr Chris McGiffen, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Highways and Travel

Replacing the White Mills Bridge deck is a complex engineering project with limited working space that will deliver a safer, more resilient structure for the local community. Our team is committed to carrying out these works to the highest standards, while working closely with North Northamptonshire Council to minimise disruption wherever possible. We appreciate residents’ patience as we complete this essential upgrade.Allan Rigby, General Manager, Kier

Ahead of these planned closures, BT will also be carrying out essential works on Thursday 8 and Friday 9 January. This will require a temporary road closure while ducting issues are resolved.

More information including diversion information will be available on the council’s highways pages.