New link road proposed to cut congestion on A5

The scheme would ease pressure on the busy Dodwells roundabout, the council said

A new link road is being proposed to try to cut heavy congestion on the A5 in Leicestershire.

Highways bosses at Leicestershire County Council have drawn up an initial plan for a new route, near Hinckley, which would connect the A47, at its roundabout near the Triumph factory, to the A5 to the west of the town.

The authority said the road, which would be about 1.2 miles (1.9km) long, could reduce pressure on the often-congested Dodwells and Longshoot junctions on the A5.

The council's cabinet is set to approve plans to develop the scheme further in a meeting on Friday 12 September.

A report to the cabinet said the junctions experience "significant congestion and delays and drivers often divert off the A5 on to alternative routes using local roads".

"Rerouting on to unsuitable routes and junctions undermines the safe and efficient operation of the local road network, creating transport, environmental and road safety issues for the local economies and residents along those routes," the report added.

The council has earmarked a "concept" route for the proposed road

The county council said the scheme could also unlock land for housing development and that it would work with planners at Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council on the project.

The report said there were "significant constraints" along the indicative route, including the Ashby Canal and "power lines, a gas main and multiple land ownerships".

However, the council said it planned to firm up the route at a later stage.

The authority's report said financial contributions from developers who are given permission to build in the area, would be used to help fund the scheme.

It also said the council would seek to work with National Highways which is considering a wider project to upgrade the A5 between Hinckley and Tamworth.