Roadworks Cause Gridlock In Market Harborough

Roadworks on key routes are causing traffic chaos across Market Harborough and Little Bowden.

There are closures on Welland Park Road and Scotland Road and temporary traffic lights elsewhere, including at the Welland Park Road/Northampton Road/Springfield Street junction.

Drivers say journeys across town that would usually take a few minutes are taking up to 40 minutes and questions are being asked why county council highway bosses allowed all the works to take place at the same time.

Cllr Phil Knowles, Leader of the ruling Coalition at Harborough District Council, told HFM the town is resembling a giant car park:

Temporary traffic lights are in place at the Welland Park Road/Northampton Road/Springfield Street junction

The temporary traffic lights at the Welland Park Road/Northampton Road/Springfield Street junction have replaced the main signals and failed earlier today, leading to even more disruption.

Gareth Thomas, President of Market Harborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce is concerned about the impact the congestion is having on traders and visitors to the town:

Temporary traffic lights failed e at the Welland Park Road/Northampton Road/Springfield Street junction earlier today.

A spokesperson for Leicestershire County Council said: “Leicestershire County Council’s network management team have been coordinating with several utility companies who need to undertake planned essential work across the Market Harborough area over the quieter Easter holiday period.

“Delayed utilities works in Market Harborough, in addition to associated malfunctioning temporary traffic lights installed for their work, have unfortunately caused higher than normal levels of congestion in the area over the past few days.

“We would like to reassure residents that our network management team is closely monitoring these issues, aiming to minimise disruption as much as possible and working closely with utilities companies.

“For information on upcoming work, please visit http://one.network where full details can be found on up and coming roadworks.”