Feedback on Farthinghoe pinch point mitigation scheme

Overview

Thank you for taking the time to read our letter to you regarding the A422 options, and also if you have been able to attend our exhibition. We would now like your thoughts on the options considered. Your views are very important to us.

The following detail provides further information on the options that have been considered.

Introduction

The A422 Main Road through Farthinghoe is a key route for both local and through traffic. While it generally flows smoothly, certain sections pose challenges. The following outlines the current situation.

Road Characteristics

• Speed Limit and Carriageway Width

The A422 in Farthinghoe has a 30mph speed limit. The carriageway is 6.1 metres wide with footways between 1.2 and 1.8 metres, which is generally sufficient for traffic and pedestrians.

• Pinch Point at Baker Street Junction

The pinch point at the Baker Street junction presents challenges for both traffic and pedestrians. Despite existing measures, incidents continue. Near the junction with Baker Street, the carriageway narrows to 5.6 metres and the footway to 0.7 metres. This section on a tight bend restricts visibility and creates this pinch point, impeding two-way traffic.

Impacts

At low speeds, two cars can pass with care. However, a car must usually give way to larger vehicles, such as buses or lorries. When two large vehicles meet, they often overrun the verge or footway, risking property damage or collisions.

Pedestrians must walk in single file close to traffic due to the narrow footway, posing safety risks.

Existing Measures

Narrow road warning signs and a 10mph advisory speed limit have been posted. Despite these measures, incidents and near misses still occur.

Review and Potential Solutions

West Northamptonshire Council has reviewed the problem and examined potential solutions which include:

• Bypass Scheme: Currently not feasible as government funding would not be available for it.
• Vehicle Weight Limits: Requires upgrading the B4525 as an alternative HGV route, also not feasible in the foreseeable future as government funding would not be available for it.
• Traffic Signal Scheme: Controlling vehicle flow through the pinch point, deliverable before 2030, pending consultation.
• Traffic Calming Measures: To reduce vehicle speeds at the pinch point and approches with road markings, coloured surfacing and signs.

Related Documents

• A422 Farthinghoe: Display Boards (PDF,1.5 MB)
• A422 Farthinghoe: Strategic Outline Case (PDF,13 MB)
• A422 Farthinghoe: Pinch point option report-FINAL (PDF, 2.1 MB)

If you have any queries, comments or need a copy of this questionnaire in another format you can contact us at: highways.wnc@westnorthants.gov.uk

The closing date for feedback is midnight Thursday13 March 2025.

For information about how consultation and engagement responses are managed, please see the consultation and engagement privacy notice.

What happens next?

We will review and consider all responses from this engagement and use it to direct future work for this area.