Delays expected as Banburyshire road surfacing project leads to road closure on A422

Northamptonshire Highways issued a notice on social media about the road closure due to the surface dressing project.

The Northants Highways team encouraged area motorists to look out for road traffic signs as the road will be closed with a diversion in place from 9.30am to 3.30pm tomorrow (Friday June 11).

The surface dressing project will be followed up with a sweeping and road markings project, which will be completed during the evening of Saturday June 12 from 8pm to 6am Sunday June 13.

Highway engineers also recently implemented a reduced to 20mph along the A422 for highways engineers to repair a new road surface.

A diversion has been put in place along the A43 and B4525 to allow road-menders to put right the problem.

The new speed limit was brought in late last month by West Northamptonshire Council. A spokesperson said: "Using a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order, the council are reducing the speed limit to a mandatory 20mph to ensure all road users are safe.

"This is following the recent surface dressing works which was undertaken last week by Northamptonshire Highways. On completion of the work a survey showed that some areas of the new surface are not up to the required standard.

"The decision has been made to introduce the speed restriction until the issues are resolved which is a priority for the council and will happen in June.

"The reason for the failure is being investigated although early indications point to the recent unpredictable, unsettled wet weather.

"The temporary 20mph signs are the same size and visibility as the customary 60mph signs so that motorists will be made sufficiently aware.

"The affected stretch of road is being swept and the site will continue to be monitored. The mandatory speed limit, which is enforceable, will be in operation until remedial works are completed."

Once the final sweep is completed and road markings reinstated, the 20mph mandatory speed limit we will be removed. This is likely to be by 18 June.

A spokesperson for the project added: "This limit is in place for safety and it is critical motorists reduce their speed to protect them and other drivers.

"It is important to keep to the temporary speed limits of 20mph, and avoid sharp turns. This allow the surface to stabilise, and prevents any damage to your vehicle.

"Surface dressing provides added protection to the carriageway surface, as well as enhancing the skid resistance, making it safer to drive on."