The construction of Melton’s new distributor road has reached a significant milestone with the completion of its final two roundabouts.
Work on the roundabouts at A606 Nottingham Road and B676 Saxby Road was completed over the weekend, allowing associated road closures to be lifted. This means all six roundabouts along the 4.5-mile route are now open to traffic.
Picture credit: Leicestershire County Council
The new road, which stretches from A606 Nottingham Road near St Bartholomew’s Way in the north, loops around the eastern edge of Melton, and reconnects with the A606 near Burton Lazars, is designed to let drivers bypass the town centre entirely.
Councillor Charles Whitford, Lead Member for Roads and Transport at Leicestershire County Council, commented: “The completion of these final roundabouts is a major milestone, and I’m proud to see this large-scale county council project reach its final stages. We’re looking ahead to early 2026, when the road is expected to fully open to motorists.
I’d like to thank local residents for their patience during the necessary road closures to ensure the work was carried out safely.”
Constructed by Galliford Try on behalf of the council, the £134 million project is the largest highways scheme ever undertaken by Leicestershire County Council.
In addition to easing congestion by diverting through-traffic away from the town centre, the new road will improve access to housing developments, Twinlakes Park, John Ferneley College, nearby rural villages, and more. It will also feature enhanced infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians.
As the project nears completion, the public will soon be invited to help choose an official name for the road, with more details to be announced later this year.
While all major closures linked to the project have now ended, some temporary traffic calming measures remain in place. For the most up-to-date information, please check online.
