Questions Over Why Key Roads Are Shut At Same Time

Questions are being asked as to why two key routes in and out of Market Harborough have been allowed to be closed to traffic at the same time.

Kettering Road is shut at the railway bridge for two weeks for Network Rail work to strengthen it, connected with the upgrade of the tracks.

And Leicester Road will be closed from the junction with Harborough Road to near St Luke’s Hospital from 7pm tonight until 6am on Monday morning.

That is for work linked with the Airfield Farm development and they’ll be a similar closure next weekend.

It means all traffic will be diverted to use Rockingham Road, which will be extra busy towards St Mary’s Road and Springfield Street.

Leicestershire County Council, responsible for approving road closures.

A  spokesperson said “We are aware of concerns regarding the closure of Leicester Road in Market Harborough. It is necessary for this work to be completed as soon as possible as any delays would risk the material being laid in colder temperatures, which could cause problems with road quality.

“We’ve worked really hard to minimise any disruption for all road users and have reduced the duration of the works so that it can be completed over two consecutive weekends over half term, when traffic is lower, instead of two weeks as originally planned. The work on Kettering Road is being carried out by Network Rail, and we’ve worked closely with them to manage any impact this may have on the local road network. We apologise for any inconvenience this work may cause.”

Buses are also replacing all train services from Market Harborough this weekend, because of engineering works.