Opening Up Putney Road

[davieG]

Should help those parking on Freemans Commons  to get out after matches.

 

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester-news/6-months-preparation-work-due-4573268

 

6 months of preparation work due for new £5m Leicester link road
It gets underway today

ByDan MartinPolitics Reporter
04:00, 5 OCT 2020
NEWS

Putney Road

Work is due to start today on a scheme to create a new £5 million link road in Leicester.

There will preparation work for the scheme that will eventually see Putney Road, in Freemen’s Common, opened up to through traffic between Aylestone Road and Welford Road, shortcutting the current loop around Granby Halls, near the Tigers ground.

Underground cables and pipework from beneath the junction of Aylestone Road and Saffron Lane will need to be moved to ensure they are out of the way before work proper starts next year on the main scheme.

Firms including Western Power, Cadent and BT are all due to be on site over the next six months to reposition their underground networks ahead of the start of the junction works.

 

The city council says that when the project is complete, the road, which currently serves an industrial estate, will divert traffic away from residential streets and reduce pollution, traffic congestion and create a better road network in part of Leicester.

However, opponents of the project believe it is the precursor to a second major scheme that would see a controversial further road scheme built across the northern end of Aylestone Meadows nature reserve linking Evesham Road and Boundary Road.

There are also concerns it will clog Victoria Park Road with more traffic

The council has countered that there is no funding for the Evesham Road scheme and that it is no more than a line on the map.

It says the Putney Road project will help to relieve congestion on the southern central ring road network, particularly around the Tigers ground and the approaches from Welford Road, Aylestone Road and Upperton Road.

The authority also says the new road will improve access for businesses on the Freemen’s Common Industrial Estate, and nearby developments including the University of Leicester’s new £150 million Freemen’s Common Student Village, which is due for completion in late 2022.

Leicester deputy city for environment and transportation Councillor Adam Clarke said: “Currently, drivers wanting to make an east-west crossing in that part of the city have to choose between taking one of a number of longer routes, or cutting through the small residential streets in Knighton Fields, both of which add to traffic congestion and pollution.

“Detailed modelling has shown that the scheme will save around 340 tonnes of CO2 each year, which is a significant benefit.

“These enabling works by the utility companies must be carried out now to ensure that they are completed in time for the main scheme to get underway next year.

“Given the nature of the work on the highway and adjoining pavement, some temporary lane closures will be needed from time to time during the work, but the junction of Aylestone Road and Saffron Lane will remain open to traffic.

Much of the utility work will focus on the verges and pavements, but during the course of work there will be some lane closures on the nearest section of Aylestone Road, although the road and its junction with Saffron Lane will remain open at all times.

BT, Western Power and Cadent are due to carry out works between October and December, with BT continuing work after Christmas, alongside Virgin and Vodafone. Vehicles won't be able to park in the turning head at the end of Putney Road West during the work.