Major road could reopen in days after pipe burst

A damaged water pipe under a road in Leicestershire could be fixed and the road reopened by the weekend.

The A47 Leicester Road near Earl Shilton was closed after the pipe burst on 26 January, leaving drivers with a 15.5-mile (25km) diversion through Stapleton, Newbold Verdon and Desford.

The scale of the issue also meant a separate set of temporary traffic lights were needed nearby, also on the A47.

Severn Trent apologised for the disruption caused by the works but said it was "hopeful" these would be removed "by the end of the week".

A spokesperson said: "We're sorry for the disruption caused on Leicester Road following emergency pipe repairs.

"The pipe is one of our larger water pipes in our network, which meant there was significant damage to the road when it burst.

"Our priority was to fix the pipe, and now our teams are continuing to repair the road and make it safe again.

"We're hopeful that it will be reopened fully by the end of the week and thank everyone for their patience."

Drivers have reported journeys between the Hinckley area and Leicester taking twice as long since the closure.

BBC journalist Zoe Mcgrady, who uses the route, said: "Normally it takes me around 20, 25 minutes. It's taking me about 45 minutes door to door.

"The diversion is pretty long, going through all the village roads.

"The saying you don't know what you've got until it's gone comes to mind - I fully appreciate the A47 now and I can't wait for it to be back open."

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