Junction improvement measures welcomed

Work is set to get underway on Monday 17 August to widen the B4114 and B581 junction in Coventry Road and introduce new road markings and changes to traffic signals.

The junction works, close to the Mill on the Soar pub, will see a length of kerb realignment and carriageway widening to provide a dedicated lane for vehicles turning left on to Coventry Road from the B4114, to increase capacity at the junction.

The works are being undertaken by housebuilder Jelson Ltd as part of their obligations placed upon them to support their housing development in Broughton Astley. Works are expected to take at least 12 weeks with temporary traffic signals on the B4114, drivers should expect delays and are encouraged to leave extra time for their journeys.

The project has been delayed, in part, due to the coronavirus pandemic but councillors and residents have welcomed the announcement that they are due to start.

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

Harborough District 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.”

Photo courtesy of Google Maps