Repairs To ‘Death-Trap’ Roundabout To Begin Immediately

Immediate repairs are set to start on a roundabout at the entrance to Market Harborough after it was branded a ‘death-trap’.

A cyclist has fallen off their bike twice in recent weeks, and a motorcyclist narrowly avoided crashing at the junction of the A6 with Rockingham Road and the A427, due to the poor road surface and several large potholes.

Since mid-January, North Northamptonshire Council had received more than 25 reports highlighting serious safety concerns, including drivers swerving into other vehicles to avoid potholes, but no action had been taken until now.

Following coverage by HFM, the council confirmed repair work will begin tomorrow.

Drivers and riders have been calling for action

Cyclists and motorists have shared their concerns via the Fix My Street portal. One cyclist said: “The large and deep holes on this busy island have fetched me off my bicycle on two occasions. They are big enough to force motor vehicles to change their line erratically causing danger to other road users.”

A motorcyclist added: “I have just travelled from the A4304 onto the A427 on my motorcycle and was very lucky not to have had an accident due to the size and depth of the potholes! The road condition is potentially fatal to riders of two-wheeled vehicles and needs repairing immediately.”

Other drivers described the roundabout as having “more craters than the moon” and “an absolute death trap for users, particularly cyclists and motorcyclists.”

Drivers and riders have been calling for action

A spokesperson for North Northamptonshire Council said: “The council recognises the concerns regarding the road surface of the roundabout. An inspection of the area has been carried out and initial repairs will begin tomorrow (Friday 6 March), with the remainder of the work planned for the following week.

“Safety is our priority and we appreciate residents continuing to report issues to us using the Highways Online Reporting Tool.”