North Northamptonshire Council, in partnership with Kier, has successfully completed essential maintenance works on the A6 Irthlingborough Viaduct, with the road fully opened to traffic during the bank holiday weekend.
Built in the 1930s, the 420-metre-long viaduct, over the River Nene, is a vital link between the towns of Irthlingborough and Rushden.
Initial investigations were carried out on the viaduct back in May 2026 which deemed the bridge to be in a poorer condition than initially expected. A series of closures allowed for waterproofing works to be carried out across two of the nine decks, and for the expansion joints to be replaced, ensuring the long-term integrity of the structure.
Additional upgrades included the installation of new traffic signals on Station Road. These will improve the flow of travelling vehicles along the A6 and provide safer access to the surrounding businesses.
Whilst the road was closed, routine maintenance works were carried out including upgrades to roadside signage, renewing existing road markings, pothole repairs and bridge inspections.
Cllr Chris McGiffen, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Highways and Travel, said:
“It is great that works have now been completed and alongside the much-needed bridge works we have been able to undertake other improvements in the area which I hope you will see the benefits of the works, alongside future works to attend to the other 7 decks, will mean that the road remains fit-for-purpose for many years to come.
“We understand that these works have been disruptive and this is something we were conscious of when planning the works. They were scheduled during a typically quieter time on the roads to minimise the impact on residents and motorists.”
Allan Rigby, General Manager at Kier Infrastructure, said:
“We’d like to thank the community for their patience and cooperation whilst we delivered these essential maintenance works in partnership with North Northamptonshire Council.
“Working above the River Nene and surrounding floodplains, which is a known winter bird migration area, the main challenge for us was maintaining the viaduct to ensure it remains fit for purpose while minimising the disruption to the surrounding wildlife.
“By bringing the viaduct in line with modern-day engineering standards, we have futureproofed vital infrastructure to remain in keeping with its surroundings and help our communities stay connected.”
(Picture: PGR Construction)
