Leicestershire: A46 contraflow system to be installed in £16m scheme

National Highways said it would replace the concrete and resurface parts of the A46 with asphalt

Drivers have been warned of possible delays as work continues on a £16m renovation of a dual carriageway.

Motorists have faced overnight closures on a section of the A46 between Six Hills and Widmerpool in Leicestershire since September.

Overnight closures will continue on the northbound and southbound carriageways until 25 January.

Contraflows will then be used from 26 January to enable work on the last three sections of road to be completed.

National Highways project manager Kyle Morley said: "This scheme will result in smoother, safer journeys for road users by extending the life of the concrete carriageway.

"The work is progressing well and the installation of the contraflow means we can now work round the clock to complete the project more quickly for the benefit of road users and local communities and businesses, especially those who front directly on to the A46.

"Once the contraflow is in place, we are advising road users to be alert to the changing road layout, to allow extra time for their journeys and to adhere to the 40mph temporary speed limit which is there for their safety as well as that of our workforce."

Contraflows will be set up to allow the final phases of a £16m improvement scheme for the A46 to be completed

Part of the A46 will close overnight when the contraflow is moved to a new section of road as work progresses.

Traffic will be diverted along the A606 and A607 through Melton Mowbray or the A52 eastbound to Grantham, the A1 southbound to the Harlaxton turn off and the A607 towards Melton Mowbray.

Leicestershire County Council is also planning its own diversions in Melton over the next two weeks, but National Highways said the diversion for traffic from the A46 would be clearly signposted.

Some slip roads will also be closed when the contraflows are moved.

Access to the A46 from properties and businesses will remain open and free recovery will also be in place for motorists while the work is carried out.