Milton Keynes Roundabout to Close for Six Months for Major Redesign

Monday, 2 November 2026 at 05:10

Motorists in Milton Keynes face approximately six months of road closures and diversions as Monkston Roundabout undergoes a major transformation into a traffic-light-controlled 'hamburger' junction. Main construction is scheduled to begin on 11 January 2027, with the council aiming to improve traffic flow and accommodate future growth.

Drivers in Milton Keynes are being warned to prepare for significant disruption as one of the city's roundabouts is set to undergo a major redesign, bringing a new 'hamburger' junction to the local road network.

Monkston Roundabout is scheduled to close for approximately six months from January 2027, with diversions, altered bus services and temporary pedestrian restrictions expected during construction.

Milton Keynes City Council says the transformation is designed to reduce congestion and accommodate increasing traffic as the city continues to grow.

What is a 'hamburger' roundabout?

Unlike a conventional roundabout, a hamburger roundabout allows some vehicles to travel directly through the middle of the junction rather than circulating around its outer edge.

The unusual name comes from its appearance when viewed from above, with the circular road resembling a burger bun and the central road representing the filling.

The redesigned Monkston junction will include traffic lights to control vehicles travelling through the centre and around the roundabout.

Drivers using the V11 will also need to follow revised lane arrangements.

According to the council, motorists intending to turn right will need to approach in the left-hand lane and follow the appropriate road markings.

The authority says it will provide information to help drivers understand the new layout before it opens.

Construction begins in January 2027

The main construction programme is scheduled to begin on 11 January 2027, with work expected to continue into summer 2027.

The council has confirmed that the junction will be subject to a full road closure during the main construction period.

The project includes:

Building the redesigned roundabout and central carriageway.
Installing new traffic signals, signs and road markings.
Replacing street lighting columns.
Resurfacing the carriageway.
Landscaping and associated improvements.

The work is expected to take approximately six months, although the precise reopening date has not been confirmed.

Preparatory works begin this month

Before the main construction begins, a programme of preparatory works is scheduled for November 2026.

These works are expected to last around four weeks and will involve temporary traffic management and lane closures.

Contractors will carry out trial excavations, utility diversions and vegetation clearance in preparation for the larger construction programme.

Motorists are being advised to anticipate some disruption even before the full closure begins in January.

Diversions and bus disruption expected

During the main construction period, drivers will be directed along alternative routes using nearby grid roads.

The council says construction vehicles will follow designated routes and avoid residential streets near the site.

Bus services operating along the V11 may also be diverted or suspended during certain stages of the project.

Notices will be displayed at affected bus stops, with additional information available through the council's bus diversion and disruption updates.

Pedestrian routes will remain available wherever possible.

Where sections need to close for safety reasons, alternative walking routes will be signposted.

Why is the roundabout being redesigned?

Milton Keynes is well known for its extensive network of roundabouts, with more than 130 across the city according to Destination Milton Keynes.

However, the council believes changes are needed at Monkston Roundabout to manage future traffic demand.

The redesigned junction will allow vehicles travelling straight ahead to pass directly through the centre under traffic-light control.

The council says this arrangement is intended to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and provide additional capacity for future development.

The scheme is being funded through developer contributions towards infrastructure improvements needed to support growth.

Council explains revised timetable

Earlier consultation documents suggested construction could take place during winter 2025 or spring 2026, subject to utility diversions.

The programme has since been revised, with the main works now expected to begin in January 2027.

The council explained that major infrastructure projects can be affected by further design requirements, planning work and unforeseen circumstances.

Officials say residents and road users will receive updates as the project progresses.

Traffic-modelling videos showing how the new roundabout will operate are already available through the council's project information.

Details of road restrictions, permits and pedestrian diversions will also be published through One.Network.

Drivers advised to plan ahead

With a full closure expected to last around six months, motorists who regularly travel through Monkston Roundabout are being encouraged to plan alternative journeys.

The project represents a significant change to the city's familiar roundabout network.

While the construction programme is likely to cause disruption during the first half of 2027, the council says the completed junction should help manage traffic demand in the years ahead.

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