Major Melton road to close — huge diversion in place despite distributor road nearing completion

A major Melton road is due to close for up to 7 days forcing HGV drivers to face a 32 mile diversion despite the Melton Mowbray Distributor Road opening in a few months time.

The B676 Saxby Road will close on 23rd February for 7 days while Severn Trent Water install a new water pipe.

The news has been met with frustration from local people as businesses in the area will face a 32 mile diversion via the A1 for lorries to approach from the opposite side.

The Melton Mowbray Distributor Road, which is estimated to have cost £134m, is due to open around Easter which would cut the diversion distance dramatically.

Saxby Road will close for up to a week while a new water pipe is installed. Photo: NEMM

But Severn Trent Water say the work will go ahead after liaising with Council Highways who have approved the works and a full road closure.

A spokesperson for Severn Trent Water said: "We are due to carry out essential work in Saxby Road to replace an existing water pipe, to boost supply resilience in the area for local businesses.

“Unfortunately, due to the location of the pipe, we will have to close the road for the safety of our workers and the public, but our teams will be working as quickly as possible to complete the works and minimise disruption.

“We have been liaising with council Highways which has approved the plans and the diversion route and we are keeping local people and businesses regularly updated on the works, so they can plan extra time for their journeys or look at alternative routes.

“We do understand how frustrating works like this are and want to apologise for any inconvenience which may be caused and thank local people for their patience and understanding.”

Severn Trent Water say they are hoping to scale the works down to temporary lights and reopen half of the road, but they won't know until the work starts.

NEMM approached Leicestershire County Council, who are the designated Local Highway Authority for the area and responsible for authorising road closures, for comment but so far they are yet to respond.