Major Market Harborough Transport Project Starts

Work to improve one of the main routes in and out of Market Harborough has started today.

The £1.9 million programme on Rockingham Road is aimed at reducing congestion, improving walking and cycling routes and modernising junctions and traffic signals.

The first phase has started at the Gores Lane junction, where an additional lane will be created where Gores Lane meets Rockingham Road as part of the improvements.

The upgraded traffic signal junction is expected to be completed by the end of November.

In the meantime, three-way temporary traffic lights have replaced the main signals at the junction, with drivers warned to expect delays.

The first phase of the major project has started at the Gores Lane junction

The wider project is expected to continue through to late March, with work suspended over the Christmas period.

The improvements are part of phase one of a wider Market Harborough Transport Programme, designed to help junctions cope with traffic as the town grows and to make walking and cycling easier, safer and more appealing.

The programme is funded through Section 106 developer contributions and Active Travel England.

As well as redesigned junctions, the work will include widened footways and new side-road crossings with raised speed tables.

The new speed tables will feature intelligent road studs which flash to warn drivers when pedestrians and cyclists are crossing. It is the first use of the technology in Leicestershire.

Andrew Hamilton-Gray, Leicestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “It’s fantastic to see phase one of the Market Harborough Transport Programme get underway.

“The council has worked hard to secure outside funding for this work, which delivers great value for taxpayers and reduces pressure on budgets.”