Extensive programme of road repairs to start
Improving our roads19 May 2026
As the weather improves, North Northamptonshire Council will begin an extensive programme of road repairs across the local area.
This surface dressing work follows a challenging winter that placed significant strain on the network, with weather conditions accelerating deterioration and surface wear. The programme also builds on pre-patching works which were completed earlier in the year.
This year sees a more extensive programme of surface dressing planned than previous years with the below roads receiving works:
- A47 Wandsford Road, Duddington
- Ashton Wold, Oundle Road
- A6116 Bypass, Lowick,
- A427 Weldon Road, Benefield
- A4300 Stamford Road, Geddington
- A6003 Uppingham Road, Corby
- A427 Stoke Hill, Stoke Albany
- A43 Stamford Road, Kettering
- A43 Rockingham Road, Rushton
- Church Way/ Eagle Lane, Thorpe Malsor
- A6 Rothwell/Desborough Bypass, Desborough
- B576 Harborough Road, Desborough
- Loddington, Harrington Road
- Broughton, Old Road
- A43 Kettering Road, Sywell
- Wellingborough Road, Sywell
- Mears Ashby, Wellingborough Road
- A4500 Wellingborough Road
- Earls Barton, Station Road
- Bozeat, Harrold Road
Surface dressing is the most cost-effective road surface treatment used to prolong the life of roads that are starting to show the first signs of minor deterioration. It improves the road surface, skid resistance and seals the surface to stop water getting in. This protects it from damage caused by severe winter weather conditions and traffic.
After such a wet and rainy winter, it’s vital that we take this opportunity to repair as many roads as possible during the summer months - ensuring they are future proof for years to come and can handle the high levels of traffic we see in parts of North Northamptonshire.Cllr Chris McGiffen, the council’s Executive Member for Highways and Travel
We continue to invest in our highways network, and I hope residents are starting to see the results - we know there is a long way to go, but we are on the right route now and are committed to doing all we can, with the resources and funding we have.
We have responsibility for over 1800km of roads in the local area and are determined to make a big impact on their condition, following on from many years of underinvestment.Cllr Martin Griffiths, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council
Going forward, we want to grow on the work already being done and we will continue to do our very best across the whole network, with the limited finances available.
How is surface dressing laid?
The material consists of a thin film of bitumen that is sprayed on to the road surface followed by one or two layers of chippings. The chippings are then rolled into the bitumen by a heavy roller to form an interlocking, long lasting surface.
Full road closures are required to carry out this work. This process is completed quickly and can be driven on immediately, under reduced speed limits. These are put in place to protect road workers, reduce the risk of damage from loose chippings and for the safety of all the public. Loose chippings are swept away after 24 hours and again after four/five days. The Highways team will return to sweep the road again after this if necessary. A temporary 20mph restriction will be in place.
Why are we doing it now?
Surface dressing is carried out during the spring/summer months as the bitumen works best on a dry surface. Surface dressing cannot be carried out in cold or excessively hot or wet weather.
More information about highways in North Northamptonshire is available on the council’s website.