Motorists using the A6 near Irthlingborough must prepare for a full weekend closure starting Friday, 29 May. North Northamptonshire Council confirmed the emergency measures after engineers discovered the Irthlingborough viaduct’s concrete deck is in significantly worse condition than initial surveys suggested.
To manage the structural assessment and ensure the safety of the workforce, the following schedule has been implemented:
| Date and Time | Closure Type |
|---|---|
| Friday 29 May (8pm) – Monday 1 June (6am) | Full Weekend Closure (Both Directions) |
| Monday 1 June (8pm) – Tuesday 2 June (6am) | Contingency Overnight Closure |
Concrete decay forces revision of A6 repair plans
The current maintenance program aims to re-waterproof a critical section of the Irthlingborough viaduct, which serves as a vital link over the River Nene. While work progressed as scheduled on 8 May 2026, subsequent inspections during the construction phase revealed structural challenges that were not visible from the surface. Trial hole investigations—standard practice for assessing bridge health—had not previously identified the full extent of the concrete deck’s deterioration.
This unforeseen circumstance means the original scope of works has been expanded to ensure the longevity of the viaduct. The upcoming weekend closure allows the engineering team to fully assess the damaged areas and stabilize the structure before more intensive repairs begin. The council has warned that leaving the concrete in its current state would risk the long-term integrity of the carriageway.
Major re-waterproofing scheduled for Summer 2026
These May and June closures serve as a preparatory phase for a more comprehensive project. The full-scale re-waterproofing of the viaduct is currently slated for Summer 2026. This process is essential for preventing water and road salt from seeping into the concrete and corroding the internal steel reinforcements, a common cause of bridge failure in aging infrastructure.
Officials have scheduled the current works over the weekend to reduce the impact on weekday commuter traffic, though significant delays are expected on local diversion routes. Real-time updates regarding the progress of the works or any weather-related changes will be posted via the North Northants Highways social media channels. Drivers are advised to plan alternative routes through Higham Ferrers or Wellingborough to avoid the A6 bottleneck.
Source: North Northamptonshire Council
Source check Infrastructure Update
This report is based on official maintenance schedules and structural findings released by North Northamptonshire Council.
- Verified closure dates against council transport bulletins
- Confirmed location of Irthlingborough viaduct works
- Cross-referenced previous maintenance phases from May 2026
- Source
- North Northamptonshire Council
- Scope
- Irthlingborough
- Updated
- 2026-05-18 10:59
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