Busy road junction near Broughton Astley is to be improved - delays expected for motorists

A busy road junction near Broughton Astley is to be improved and made safer over the next three months.

The scheme to widen the B4114 and B581 junction on Coventry Road is being supported by both Harborough District Council and Leicestershire County Council.

Work will begin on Monday August 17 and new road markings will be introduced and traffic signals modified.

The spot is close to the Mill on the Soar pub.

Kerb realignment and carriageway widening will be carried out to create a dedicated lane for drivers turning left on to Coventry Road from the B4114.

The move will “increase capacity at the junction”.

The blueprint is being put into action by housebuilder Jelson Ltd under their obligations as they build a new housing estate in Broughton Astley.

Work is poised to take at least 12 weeks with temporary traffic signals on the B4114.

Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to leave extra time for their journeys.

The project has been partly delayed by the five-month coronavirus pandemic.

Cllr Simon Whelband, Harborough District Council’s Cabinet lead on Wellbeing, Communities & Housing, said: “Our planning enforcement team has been working with the developer to get these improvements done.

“I am pleased that progress has been made and this very busy junction will be improved and made safer for drivers.”

Harborough council has worked alongside highways authority Leicestershire County Council to ensure these improvements by Jelson Ltd were delivered on this key Harborough route.

Cllr Trevor Pendleton, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: “I am very pleased that our two councils are working together to ensure that these much-needed improvements are delivered - and the developers fulfil their obligations.

“It is imperative that we ensure our road network can support any new developments, housing or otherwise.”