Latest Update on the Barrowby A1 / A52 Junction

🏗️ Junction Improvements to this dangerous junction by National Highways

As your local County Councillor, I want to update you on an essential piece of infrastructure work that will shape the future of Grantham’s growth — the improvements to the A1/A52 junctions linked to the new housing development north of Barrowby Road.

What’s happening?

The developer-led housing scheme already has planning consent and is well underway on site. However, key infrastructure works are still to come, specifically, upgrades to two critical junctions where the A1 meets the A52.

The planned works will:

  • Widen sections of the carriageway to improve traffic flow,
  • Introduce traffic signal controls at the Southbound A1/A52 junction,
  • Deliver associated upgrades, including new lighting, drainage, vehicle restraint systems, and landscaping.

Why does it matter?

The completion of these junction works isn’t just about easing congestion — they’re legally tied to the delivery of new homes. Until these upgrades are finished, there are restrictions on the number of homes that can be occupied:

  • 150 homes are held up pending the improvements to the Southbound junction.
  • A further 298 (making a total of 448) are dependent on the Northbound works.

There is also interest in these conditions at the national level — the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (formerly MHCLG) is closely monitoring the situation because junction delays are now the primary obstacle to hundreds more homes being delivered in Grantham.

When will it happen?

Design work is currently being finalised. National Highways, which manage the A1, are in discussions with the developers and are themselves planning roadworks nearby (towards Gonerby Moor) from Spring to Autumn 2026.

Current estimates suggest the junction improvement works will:

  • Begin in late 2026 (Q4),
  • Complete by autumn 2027 (Q3).

This timeline may still shift depending on technical approvals and the extent to which National Highways’ own projects overlap.

Keeping Grantham connected and safe.

I’ve also requested that a signalised pedestrian crossing be included in the design for safer local access. While I haven’t yet seen the final drawings, I’ve asked the developer’s highways team to prioritise it.

Likewise, I’ve flagged the need for an extended speed limit drop — a change that should be achievable once work begins and will improve road safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.

Supporting local opportunity

Vistry and Jelson, the developers behind this work, expect to go out to tender in late 2025. I’ve suggested they contact reputable contractors to ensure we get both quality and value from whoever delivers this major scheme.

Final thoughts

This junction work is a long time coming — but it is the key to unlocking over 698 new homes for local families, improving traffic flow on one of Grantham’s busiest corridors, and making future growth more sustainable.

While this road isn’t within the control of the County Councillor, as your County Councillor, I’ll continue pressing for the best outcomes: faster delivery, safer design, and better value for our community.

If you have thoughts or concerns, I’d love to hear them.