A5 Towcester improvements
The A5 in Towcester has longstanding issues with the high levels of traffic passing through its historic town centre, causing environmental, safety and accessibility concerns to residents and businesses. We’ve now been able to develop options to help improve Towcester town centre.
Latest updates
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05 May 2026
Link road opening and introduction of weight restriction on the A5
From Tuesday 5 May 2026, we’ll be introducing a 7.5 tonne weight limit on the A5 through Towcester.
The restriction will come into effect following the completion of the new A5/A43 Towcester Relief Road which creates a new link between the A5 and A43 south of the town.
The link road, which has been delivered by Persimmon Homes, will also open on Tuesday 5 May 2026.
The weight limit will be introduced under a temporary traffic regulation order (TTRO) which will prevent vehicles over 7.5 tonnes from travelling through Towcester on the A5, reducing noise, improving air quality and creating a safer, more welcoming environment in the town centre.
The restriction is in place along the A5 between the Old Tiffield Road junction and Cowpastures Lane roundabout, as shown in red on the map below. The orange route shows the new Towcester Relief Road.
Drivers of vehicles over 7.5 tonnes should use this route to access the A5 and A43.
Clearly displayed signage will be in place to direct restricted vehicles to use the new link road. The following vehicles will be exempt from restrictions:
- emergency vehicles
- buses and coaches
- recovery vehicles responding to callouts
- vehicles making deliveries to residents, shops or businesses.
What’s happening next
This TTRO forms part of wider improvement work we’re developing for the A5 through Towcester which includes the introduction of new signage, shared-use paths for pedestrians and cyclists, new controlled crossing points along the A5 and resurfacing.
We’re currently progressing the detailed design programme and we’re planning to hold public information events this summer, giving residents and businesses the opportunity to view the designs and speak directly with the project team.
We’ll share details of these events as soon as dates are confirmed.
Stay updated
To receive updates directly, subscribe to our distribution list by emailing noreplya5emids@nationalhighways.co.uk.
For any queries, contact our Customer Contact Centre on 0300 123 5000 or email info@nationalhighways.co.uk.
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06 June 2023
Preferred Scheme Announcement
Following our options consultation last summer, we’ve incorporated the feedback we received and will be taking Option A forward to the next stage.
This scheme will benefit Towcester by improving road safety, accessibility, air quality and noise impact by reducing traffic through the town centre. It will also support economic growth by making the high street through Towcester a more attractive place to visit and preserve the history and identity of the town.
You can find more information on the scheme, including what changes we made and our plans here: A5 Towcester Preferred Option
The next step will be updating our business case to help secure the funding needed to complete the final design stage and deliver the scheme.
Project information
Overview
The main objectives of the scheme are:
- to improve safety for all
- to reduce the impact of air and noise pollution on surrounding environments and habitats
- to increase the number of trips made in Towcester by walking and cycling
- to help boost the local economy through increased trade and footfall
- to make Towcester’s high street an attractive place to visit
- to improve accessibility to Towcester town centre for everyone
- to preserve Towcester’s rich history and identity
Benefits
This proposed scheme aims to encourage through traffic, and in particular goods vehicles, to use the new link road and the A43 as an alternative to the A5. This will alleviate some of the more disruptive traffic from the town centre, improving accessibility and quality of life in Towcester.
Documents
Traffic information
Information about scheduled roadworks and events on our motorways and major roads.Sign up for updates!
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