Road closures as huge HS2 beams are moved

A number of roads in Northamptonshire are subject to temporary closures while long metal beams for the construction of the HS2 rail line are transported through the county.

HS2 said two lorries moved their loads on Friday and two more 50m (165ft) beams will be transported between junctions 20 and 19 of the M1 to Chipping Warden between 09:00 and 13:00 BST on Monday.

The route takes the lorries down the M1 to junction 16 at Northampton and then towards Daventry on the Flore bypass and the A45.

They complete their journey via the Daventry bypass and the A361.

The beams are for a bridge at Priors Hardwick, which is on the Warwickshire/Northamptonshire border.

Each load is 4m (13ft) wide and temporary closures will be in place in key points "to allow the vehicle to manoeuvre along the road network to its final destination", police said.

Each load takes between two and three hours to complete its journey.

Drivers are asked to avoid the area.

Police said the operation could happen only during daylight to "maximise the safety of the public and minimise the risk to infrastructure".

HS2 said it recognised the impact the closures had on motorists.

Do you have a story suggestion for Northamptonshire? Contact us below.

Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.