Funding sought to tackle congestion at M1 junction
EXTRA LANES WOULD BE CREATED NEAR FOSSE PARK USING LEVELLING UP MONEY
PLANS have been unveiled to ease traffic congestion at a “pinch point” M1 junction – if government money can be secured.
Blaby District Council said there are “significant issues” with congestion and safety on the southbound slip road between Junction 21 and the A563 Lubbesthorpe Way junction.
It said: “The current layout is a pinch point for traffic which needs to join and quickly leave existing lanes.”
The council will be working with
Leicestershire County Council to submit a bid to the government’s levelling up fund.
Some of the money would be used to create a new lane from the M1 at the Junction 21 southbound slip road, heading towards the A563.
The district council said this would eliminate the need for vehicles to merge and switch lanes along the A4560. In addition, extra lanes would be installed on nearby roads, which are some of the busiest routes around the city.
A 60m extension to the right turn filter lane into Grove Business Park along the southeast-bound A563
Lubbesthorpe Way/Pernman Way would also be added.
A fourth lane on the A563 northwest-bound would be added from the Everards Roundabout to the exit of Grove
Business Park.
Councillor Terry Richardson, leader of Blaby District Council, said he was “very excited” about the funding opportunity to create a more efficient and safer road network, reduce journey times and support economic growth in the area.
The council said not taking advantage of levelling up money would show a lack of support for businesses and residents who are disadvantaged due to an inferior highway infrastructure. Councillor Ozzy O’Shea, county council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Leicestershire is growing so it’s vital we lever government money to help shape the county of tomorrow.
“This levelling up cash will provide tangible improvements for people and business as well as keeping Leicestershire moving.”
South Leicestershire MP, Alberto Costa, said the plans would be “hugely beneficial” for residents in the area.
He said he would do all he could to support the council in its bid.
Councils will have the chance to bid for up to £20 million of funding.
Blaby District Council has said it will announce the result of the bid in the coming weeks.
This levelling up cash will provide tangible improvements for people and business
Coun Ozzy O’Shea