A major phase of the road improvements on Leicester’s Golden Mile has now been completed.
The majority of road works and pavement works north of Belgrave Circle have now been completed, which means all lanes are once again now open to traffic as normal ahead of the festive season.
Following the demolition of the Belgrave Flyover, extensive resurfacing and carriageway works has been carried out, bringing an end to one of the major phases.
The work has involved installing additional traffic lanes in space previously taken up by the flyover, and creating a new cycleway and walkway from Belgrave Road and across Belgrave Circle, along with improved street lighting.
Work is to now begin creating a new car parking area next to the site of the former Sainsbury’s store in Belgrave Road. Residents and businesses have long called for additional car parking for shoppers and visitors to the area.
According to the city council, the remainder of the work is due to be completed early in 2015, including improvements to the south of the old flyover, towards Belgrave Gate, and improvements to the junctions of Belgrave Circle with Dysart Way and Abbey Park Road.
The project is being carried out by contractors Longcross, on behalf of Sainsbury’s which is working with Leicester City Council. The overall scheme is being done to improve the area near the flyover and help reconnect the Golden Mile to the rest of the city centre.
Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “After all the frustration I’m very pleased to hear that this major phase of the works is now completed.
“These extensive improvements to the traffic lanes and junctions on Belgrave Road have been very involved and detailed, and really make the most of the space freed up by the removal of the flyover.
“The end of this phase of works means all the traffic lanes and footways north of Belgrave Circle are now open as normal, which I know will please local businesses and residents alike.
“I am determined that the scheme will reach completion early in the new year.”
