Work to reduce bus journey times on a key route into Leicester is set to start on Monday (March 4)

The A426 (Aylestone Road) bus corridor project aims to improve bus reliability, ease congestion for drivers and improve safety of cyclists.

Last year a consultation was held on the £5m initiative which is being funded by the Department for Transport, Leicester City and Leicestershire County Councils and Arriva.

Proposals included 24 hour bus lanes, improvements to junctions, bus stops and crossing points, a speed limit reduction, smart ticketing (travel cards) and real time travel information.

Following feedback from the consultation, a number of additional improvements have been made including the provision of cycle lanes, toucan crossings, traffic signals and an additional section of bus lane.

Initial preparations have already begun. From Sunday evening, there will be some management of the traffic flow between Little Glen Road and Soar Valley Way. This will allow work from Monday on water pipes and cables, mainly in footways but also at two locations where the pipes and cables cross the road.

The main work will start in April.

Lesley Pendleton, Leicestershire County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said:

“We would like to thank everyone who has commented on these proposals. We have considered all the responses carefully and, as a result, have made some additions to the project.

“We believe this work will reap real benefits by improving bus journey times and service reliability and ultimately relieving congestion on what is a key route into Leicester.”

Leicester City Mayor Peter Soulsby added:

“This scheme will benefit pedestrians, cyclists and motorists as well as bus users.”

Work will be completed in stages to minimise disruption and is due to be completed by October 2013.

To minimise congestion, roadworks in nearby areas have been coordinated and local businesses have been invited to discuss how they can help their staff plan their travel and perhaps stagger their working hours.

Updates on the work will be available at: www.leics.gov.uk/a426_bus_corridor_project