Plans for the A509 Isham bypass given a boost

19 November 2021

Plans for the A509 Isham bypass have taken a step in the right direction after the Government announced the scheme could progress to the next stage of development.

The Department for Transport has written to North Northamptonshire Council to say that the project has been progressed under the Major Road Network (MRN) programme.

To help the scheme move forward to the next stage, the DfT will make a contribution of £1,859,000 in the current financial year towards the costs of developing an outline business case, having considered the Strategic case submitted in December 2020.   

Yesterday morning, the Council’s Executive noted a report on the matter and agreed to spend the funding on developing the outline business case.

I’m delighted that this very important project has taken a step forward and now we can progress an outline business case, design work and updated planning application.

This scheme is a priority for the council as the route would not only help boost the local economy, but, also alleviate traffic pressures in the village of Isham. We are grateful that the Government has identified this project as a vital piece of infrastructure to enable the growth of our area.Cllr Graham Lawman the council’s Executive Member for Highways, Travel and Assets

This is a major boost for this priority scheme. We know that villagers have been campaigning for decades for it to go ahead and we agree it’s of tremendous benefit to them and the wider area.

I am particularly grateful to Peter Bone MP, who has campaigned tirelessly to move the project forward.Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council

The proposed dual carriageway would provide a primary north / south link between the A14 and A45 trunk roads, serving Kettering and Wellingborough and destinations towards the southwest.