Plans for New Road to Ease A5 Traffic Bottlenecks

Drivers in Hinckley could see relief from long-running traffic queues on the A5 under new plans for a link road.

Leicestershire County Council has drawn up early proposals for a 1.2-mile (1.9km) route that would connect the A47, near the Triumph factory roundabout, to the A5 just west of the town.

The aim is to ease pressure on the notoriously busy Dodwells and Longshoot junctions, where long tailbacks are a daily frustration for motorists. A council report said congestion often forces drivers to cut through local roads, creating extra traffic and safety concerns for nearby communities.

If approved by the county council’s cabinet on Friday 12 September, the scheme will move forward to a more detailed planning stage.

As well as reducing queues, the new road could also open up land for housing development. The council has said it will work with Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council to make sure any new homes are supported by proper infrastructure.

There are challenges, though. The proposed route would have to navigate the Ashby Canal, power lines, a gas main and land in multiple ownerships. Officials said these issues would be addressed as the plans develop.

Funding is expected to come partly from developers building in the area, alongside support from National Highways, which is considering wider improvements to the A5 between Hinckley and Tamworth.