Roundabouts open as part of town bypass scheme

The roundabouts on the A606 opened a day earlier than planned

Two new roundabouts have opened as part of a scheme to create a bypass to divert traffic away from a Leicestershire town.

The junctions, located on the A606 to the south of Melton Mowbray, have been built as part of a plan which aims to alleviate congestion in the town centre.

They are two of six due to be built during the North and East Melton Mowbray Distributor Road (NEMMDR) scheme.

Leicestershire County Council says the 4.4-mile (7.1km) highway is set for completion in late 2026.

Work to complete the roundabout has been carried out by contractor Galliford during a number of road closures over July and August.

Ozzy O’Shea, county council cabinet member for highways, said: “I’ve recently visited the site and it was a privilege to see just how much work has now been done. It’s hugely exciting to see part of it open to the public.

“We kept disruption to a minimum by scheduling works during the summer break, as some road closures were necessary for moving forward a project of this size.

"I would like to thank local residents for their patience.”

Construction of the north and east parts of Melton Mowbray's distributor road began in May last year.

The road will connect the A606 Nottingham Road to the north of the town to the A606 Burton Road to the south.

Follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.