Discussions on next steps for A511 improvements

Good of level of support for scheme in consultation

Work on progressing a funding bid for junction and road improvements between Ashby and Coalville will be considered by the county council's Cabinet next week.

A report outlining the major highways scheme aimed at tackling congestion on the A511 will be discussed on Friday, 22nd November, along with the findings of a recent consultation which canvassed the views of local residents and businesses.

The county council’s Growth Corridor scheme is one of seven across the Midlands being put forward to a £3.5 billion Major Roads Network ‘pot’ by Midlands Connect.

The scheme proposes improvements to junctions along the A511, including a Bardon link road extension and a dual carriageway between Thornborough Road and Whitwick Road.

Work will cost an estimated £49m and Midlands Connect is bidding, on Leicestershire’s behalf, for around £42m with the remainder coming from  £7m worth of developer contributions.

The county council has also committed £4m of its capital funding towards developing the scheme - and last month the Department of Transport (DfT) awarded £1.28 million in development funding so the council can prepare its outline business case for the scheme.

This scheme will improve journey times and reliability for residents, support the growing logistics and freight network in this area and improve safety for all road users. We’re also convinced it will provide value for money. Subject to Cabinet approval, we’ll next be developing a planning application while finalising the outline business case to secure the funding from DfT and submitting this next month

Person:Blake Pain, county council cabinet member for environment and transport

More than 200 people responded to the consultation, which ran from 26 September to 23 October, with a good level of support for the improvements.

There is an acknowledgement in the report that many people who responded to the consultation wanted the proposals to go further, with suggestions including a relief road and the widening of the A511.

Mr Pain added: “We know from the recent consultation that people do agree this is the right area to invest in as it is rapidly growing.  

“We’re also very clear from the comments received that people would like us to have done more – but we’ve only been able to bid for up to £50m.

"We are in talks with the DfT as to how the scheme might be developed further to promote sustainable travel and to better reflect some of the views coming forward through the consultation.

“As with all county towns, we will continue to look for appropriate funding opportunities to enable us to provide the infrastructure needed to support a vibrant and growing county.” 

The A511 proposals will be discussed by Cabinet on Friday, 22nd November at 2pm. Residents can watch the meeting online at www.leicestershire/webcast