Future traffic levels moving through the A421/H8 and the H7 will be higher than current levels so we need to increase capacity at the Monkston and Brinklow roundabouts now to manage traffic flow and reduce congestion.
We're using tariff funding to cover the construction costs. Tariff funding comes from landowners and developers in the expansion areas who pay the council a fixed payment per home or per square metre of employment land to fund essential infrastructure like these roundabouts.
We're also looking at tariff-funded schemes for Loughton, Crownhill, Elfield and Kingston Roundabouts.
Why traffic signals are required
We would only consider installing traffic signals where they are needed to help improve safety and regulate traffic flow. Whilst the original plan for MK did not include traffic signals, we've now decided to install them at certain points on the network as traffic volumes have increased to a point where significant delays and congestion are more common. Traffic signals help to ensure that each arm of the roundabout has enough time for traffic to move through and vehicles have to slow down for the lights.
To view our video explaining how the roundabouts will work better with traffic signals, click here
Monkston Roundabout
Monkston Roundabout is proposed to be upgraded to a hamburger-style roundabout.
A hamburger roundabout gets its name from its appearance when viewed from above, with the circular roundabout resembling the bun and the road through the middle representing the burger. The road that passes through the centre allows straight-ahead traffic to travel directly through the junction without having to circulate around the roundabout.
Unlike a conventional roundabout, the lane arrangements on the V11 approaches will also change. Vehicles turning right will need to approach in the left-hand lane and follow the road markings around the roundabout.
The roundabout will be controlled by traffic signals, which will direct vehicles either through the centre of the roundabout or around it, depending on their destination.
To see how this type of roundabout will work, view our traffic model videos below:
Traffic Modelling Video - wider view
Traffic Modelling Video - close up
We are working on a detailed design and Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) now and once we have the final construction programme, including a confirmed start date (expected to be Autumn 2026), additional information will be posted here.
Brinklow Roundabout
This project included improvements to the existing roundabout by adding traffic signals, new surfacing and lining, new bus shelters and cutting vegetation back. The roundabout was realigned to help with the volume of traffic and is now fully complete.
We commissioned Crimewave to assess traffic activity at Brinklow Roundabout following the installation of new traffic signals between January to march 2026. You can view the report summary here.
View images of the Brinklow Roundabout project: