Finishing touches are being made to Melton’s new distributor road as the landmark scheme moves closer to opening around Easter 2026.
The final phase of the project includes a £1.2 million biodiversity programme, which will see hundreds of saplings planted alongside the completion of new walking and cycling routes. Tree species such as English oak, field maple, beech and lime — some already standing up to two metres tall — are being introduced to help the road blend into the surrounding rural landscape and support local wildlife.
Picture credit: Melton Borough Council
In addition to enhancing biodiversity, the new trees and hedgerows are expected to absorb carbon, manage surface water and reduce noise and air pollution from traffic.
Throughout construction, the project team has also supported a number of local community and charity initiatives across Melton. These have included resurfacing the car park at John Ferneley College free of charge, creating a horticulture space for Sunny Skies, and decorating Pepper’s mental health centre ahead of its opening.
The team has also hosted visits from local SEND children to introduce them to careers in construction, and carried out refurbishment work at the Air Ambulance Service’s Melton Mowbray charity superstore, The Hanger, including repairs to potholes and damaged access areas.
Residents have watched Leicestershire County Council’s largest-ever road project take shape over several years. Sections of all six roundabouts are now open to traffic, major bridges are in place, and surfacing and landscaping works are progressing well.
The 4.5-mile route is being delivered by Galliford Try on behalf of the county council. Once complete, it is expected to ease congestion in Melton’s busy town centre, improve journey reliability, support new housing and boost the local economy.
Councillor Adam Tilbury, cabinet member for highways and transport, said the scheme had remained on track despite significant challenges.
“Despite complex ground conditions, major archaeological finds and severe weather events such as Storm Babet and Storm Henk, the team kept the project moving forward and it remains on schedule,” he said.
“Improving our road network is important, but so is protecting nature, which is why we’re planting hundreds of trees. We’re also pleased the project has been able to give something back to local organisations along the way, and we’re grateful to residents and businesses for their patience.”
He added that the new road represents a major investment in Melton’s future, cutting congestion and supporting the town’s growth.
The county council is also preparing to launch a public vote in February to decide the road’s official name, with the winning choice to be announced shortly before the opening.
The Melton distributor road is expected to open around Easter 2026.
