The Department for Transport has removed the A509 Isham Bypass from its Major Road Network and Large Local Majors Programme, according to North Northamptonshire Council.
The council said the decision was confirmed in a DfT letter following a review of inherited road projects. It said the scheme could be reconsidered if a suitable funding opportunity emerged and a compelling business case was available.
Scheme loses development funding route
The proposed bypass would run on a dual-carriageway alignment west of Isham before rejoining the A509 between Hill Top and Great Harrowden. North Northamptonshire Council has backed the project as a way to reduce congestion, improve journey times and connectivity, and support economic growth.
The scheme had secured £1.859m from the DfT to develop its outline business case. The council’s programme had targeted an opening date at the end of 2029, subject to funding.
According to the council, the government said it had inherited a programme of unaffordable and unfunded schemes and had prioritised projects offering the highest value for money. The council described the decision as a “significant setback”.
Review followed 2025 announcement
The Transport Secretary announced a review of 41 inherited schemes in July 2025. On 26 March 2026, the DfT said it would continue supporting 16 projects with funding of about £1bn. It said many of the remaining schemes were being withdrawn because local authorities could no longer afford their funding contributions.
The Isham bypass was not included among the 16 schemes retained.
Cllr Chris McGiffen, North Northamptonshire Council’s executive member for highways, travel and assets, said the decision was “extremely disappointing” for the council, residents, businesses and road users who had supported the project. He said “the need for this scheme has not gone away” and that the council would consider the reasons given by the government and its available options.
Council leader Cllr Martin Griffiths said the authority was “not prepared simply to walk away” from a project he said could deliver substantial benefits, adding that it would continue making the case for investment.
Other schemes also lose backing
Cheshire East Council said the DfT had removed its revised A500 corridor scheme at Crewe. Surrey County Council leader Tim Oliver said government support for the A31 Farnham Corridor scheme had ended, while BBC News reported that the Blyth Relief Road in Northumberland would also not be funded.
North Northamptonshire Council has not disclosed the bypass’s total cost, the amount spent on its development or the full list of schemes removed during the review.