'Something needs doing about it': National Highways asks public about plans for major junction near Lutterworth

National Highways is currently asking the public for feedback on its plans for Gibbet Hill Junction, where the A5 and A426 meet near Lutterworth, a known congestion hotspot.

The consultation recognises that congestion is expected to worsen due to major planned developments including Magna Park, Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal, and planned housing developments in Rugby and Lutterworth.

Clare Coleman, who runs Pit Stop cafe, which is located from the Gibbet Roundabout toward Lutterworth on the A426, said: “Something needs doing about it. I come past it six days a week. It 100 per cent needs changing.”

She said she had not yet completed the consultation, but intended to do so.

Recent plans submitted by Tarmac for Shawell Quarry are also expected to put extra pressure on the junction with residents in Shawell, near Lutterworth, saying the development would increase the number of HGVs again “up to their previous levels and beyond.”

Misterton ward Councillor Jonathan Bateman(Cons) said: “I would say that whatever improvements are going to be coming forward are long overdue.

“I just hope that National Highways, together with the local authorities, actually do something that is going to be futureproof.

“It’s no good doing something now that in five years’ time is a waste of time. It needs to be looking forward to, what’s going on with regards to Magna Park and Rugby and everything that’s happening there with the ongoing development.

“I’m happy that National Highways will get a grip, but it does need to be sorted out sooner rather than later.”

In terms of timescales, National Highways has said the scheme will be developed during 2026-31, with construction planned beyond 2031.

The project is described as one of nine major schemes that will undergo further development and assessment.

National Highways notes that participation in this process does not guarantee construction at this stage.

Encouraging residents to complete the consultation, MP Alberto Costa said: “I am encouraging everyone with an interest in the future of this important junction to take part in the National Highways consultation. The proposals aim to address congestion and improve journeys on a key route for our area.

“The A5 Gibbet Hill Roundabout is one of the transport issues that residents and businesses raise with me most often, and I have been working on this issue for some time.”

In response, one resident said: “Long overdue! The junction is a mess, and lane management is virtually non-existent.

“The sooner it’s upgraded to a properly designed roundabout, with improved traffic flow and clearer lane management for vehicles heading towards Crick, Rugby, Hinckley and Lutterworth, the better.”

In its consultation, National Highways notes that the junction is part of a key freight corridor in the UK, serving both long-distance and local traffic, and that it acts as a diversion route for the M1 and M6.

National Highways said: “The roundabout causes congestion through nearby villages like Shawell, transferring problems to local roads. Journey time reliability is poor due to high traffic volumes and slow-moving vehicles. Other issues include overrunning on verges, poor pedestrian access near the services, and restricted visibility on two arms of the roundabout.

“Our proposed improvements aim to improve journey time reliability and network resilience for strategic traffic, enhance safety and support economic growth in the region.”

The consultation closes on November 17. There is also an online webinar taking place on November 3 at 6pm. Details can be found on the National Highways website.