Many constituents have been in contact with me about the Chipping Warden bypass. Last week I had a virtual meeting with HS2, EKFB, West Northants Council and representatives from the local community where HS2 provided us with an update on its status.

Residents have been concerned with the speed limit, and the sharp speed increase from 30mph to 50mph at the entrance to the village at the start of the bypass, where there are fears motorists who have been stuck behind HS2 HGVs for a few miles might try to overtake those HGVs on entering the village, which would be dangerous. HS2 have confirmed that they will investigate if the speed limit can be restricted to 30mph throughout the construction of HS2 and have taken this away as an urgent action point to consider. Residents have also raised their concerns regarding potential noise disruption during the construction phase, and HS2 will clarify what happens if unacceptable levels of noise and traffic movements are detected through a programme of noise modelling.

HS2 have confirmed that they will manage maintenance of the relief road (to include grass cutting, gulley cleaning etc) for 12 months, where after this timeframe responsibility shifts to WNC.

I am delighted to report that the road is now set to be opened within days, and HS2 is preparing for this by installing tactile paving, signage and lighting. Confirmation of a ‘bringing into use’ requirement between HS2 and WNC will be agreed shortly, enabling the road to be finally open! We hope that the opening date (subject to final confirmation) will be Friday June 18.

This is fantastic news for the local community and I am very much looking forward to seeing the road open after all the many years of lobbying and construction!