A new £7m upgraded roundabout is to built in Northamptonshire, Highways England has announced.

Work on the scheme for the A43 Abthorpe roundabout near Silverstone involves widening the roundabout junction, upgrading the layout, approaches, signals and crossing facilities.

The project is to be carried out in two phases:

• Phase one will take place between January and summer 2016, with service providers undertaking advanced work and Highways England supervising.


• Phase two, between Summer 2016 and Spring 2017, will involve the contractor carrying out the main work, including road widening, erection of retaining walls and installation of the signals equipment.

The scheme is part of £1.8bn investment in the midlands from the Roads Investment Strategy (RIS).

Kevin Harvey, project manager for Highways England, said: "As part of record government funding, this scheme will help boost the local economy and support up to 4,650 new homes in the area.

"This is about improving the roundabout for everyone concerned: as well as better, more reliable journeys for our road users, we'll also be making the junction safer and more accessible for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders."

An informational event is to be held with the public to discuss the improvements.

The exhibition will take place on Saturday, 07 November, between 10am – 3pm at Towcester Community Centre in Islington Road.

(LM/MH)