Leicestershire County Council says that drainage issues are a prime reason for work on the new A511 Growth Corridor not going ahead this Spring.

The council now confirms that construction will commence in Spring 2025 - not this year as planned - with completion expected towards the end of 2027.

The scheme plans to make improvements to nine locations between the A42 junction 13 near Ashby and the A50 Field Head roundabout - east of the M1 Junction 22.

This will include upgrading a section of Stephenson Way from single to dual carriageway, plus the construction of a new link road extending southwards from the A511 Bardon Road roundabout and linking with the housing development on Grange Road.  

The county council says that its commissioned transport studies concluded that housing and economic growth in the Coalville area would be severely restricted without investment in the A511 corridor.

It adds that the route currently experiences notable levels of congestion and peak hour delay at several of its key junctions.

Two years ago, the final cost of the scheme was forecast to be around £15million higher than predicted.

Cllr Ozzy O'Shea, county council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "As with all major road projects, we're working hard to refine key elements of the scheme to help reduce costs and minimise the impact on any affected landowners.

"One area of particular focus – which required additional planning processes – has been the drainage associated with the construction of the Bardon link road. The original proposals required the installation of a balancing pond, and the scale of the pond is now being reduced with a more natural wetland area being developed to the north of the railway embankment. That's a saving on construction costs and will provide a wider ecological benefit.

"The planning processes linked to the additional work have, subsequently, been a factor in a delay to the overall programme with an expected start date of spring 2025. We're very aware that the A511 has suffered from congestion for many years and tackling it with this scheme will also have benefits environmentally in leading to a reduction in exhaust emissions. It will also support public transport improvements and promote walking and cycling initiatives."

The council says that a balancing pond collects surface and flood water so that it can then be stored and slowly released into the ground or the drainage system.

During heavy or prolonged periods of wet weather, this is an effective defence against flooding as it controls the flow of excess water.

The A511 Growth Corridor scheme is a major project to develop junction and road improvements. It comprises nine junction improvements along the route of the road. The changes mainly centre around Coalville, including the Hoo Ash roundabout and the Broom Leys Road junction with some improvements near Markfield at the Flying Horse and Field Head roundabouts.

The scheme, which the Government has backed with more than £40 million in funding, will also see the creation of a Bardon link road.

A dual carriageway between Thornborough Road and Whitwick Road in the town will also be constructed as part of the project.