North Northamptonshire Council reaches the halfway mark on road surveys programme

27 October 2026

The council’s Highways team are currently carrying out a programme of road coring surveys to help identify which roads across North Northants would be suitable for future improvement works.

Starting in September and running through to the end of November, samples are being taken from roads across the local area, including sections of the A43 and A6. These core samples provide information on the make-up of the existing road. With this survey an assessment is made as to whether a road would be suitable for the council’s surface dressing programme in the coming year. Whilst the surveys are undertaken, temporary road closures are put in place to ensure that the workforce is safe while carrying out this work - essential drainage clearance and pothole repairs are also undertaken during the road closures.

A machine is used extract a core sample of the road to a depth of around 10 inches and the samples are sent to a laboratory for further testing.

The process is quick and efficient and once the works have been completed, the hole is filled straightaway to ensure the road remains fully operational. The information gathered plays an important role in helping the council target investment and plan future maintenance. The Highways team are currently on track to complete the programme as planned, with routes including the Desborough by-pass and Finedon Road due to have surveys undertaken in the coming weeks.

This work provides vital information about the condition of the roads across North Northants and enables us to make informed decisions about future maintenance works.

The surveys are completed quickly and with as little disruption as possible. The samples help us understand exactly how roads have been constructed and how they are performing, ensuring we can target our investment where it will have the greatest benefit.

By gathering this detailed information, we can continue to plan effective maintenance programmes, helping to extend the life of our roads and deliver the best possible value for our residents.Cllr Chris McGiffen, the council’s Executive Member for Highways and Travel

We know that decades of underinvestment have taken a huge toll on our roads, with the condition of roads being a concern for residents and businesses across the whole of North Northants.

But we are starting to make a big impact with the funding available to us and programmes like this will help us continue to make progress - delivering better roads, prioritising repairs and resurfacing.Cllr Martin Griffiths, Leader of the Council

A full list of roads which are having surveys, including closure dates, is available on the council website.