Sonia Kataria

BBC News, Leicester

Motorists are being warned of months of disruption in a town in Leicestershire as several roads are set to shut as part of a bypass project.

The new 4.4-mile (7km) North & East Melton Distributor Road is being built to relieve congestion in Melton town centre and unlock land for homes to be built.

Part of St Bartholomew's Way, the B676 Saxby Road and the A606 Nottingham Road will shut to allow the construction of two new roundabouts and resurfacing, with the first closure to start on 16 June until 28 September.

The £115m scheme includes constructing six roundabouts and four bridges, the diversion of the River Eye and new cycling and walking infrastructure along its full length.

St Bartholomew's Way, from Nottingham Road to Southwell Close junctions, will close from 06:00 on 16 June until 19:00 on 28 September. A diversion will be in place via Welby Lane to Asfordby Road.

The B676 Saxby Road, near Lag Lane, is set to close from 06:00 on 24 June and reopen on 28 September, with traffic to be diverted via the A607 to the A1.

The A606 Nottingham Road, from Brampton Road to Hilltop Farm junctions, will be closed from 06:00 on 7 July until 19:00 on 31 August.

A diversion will be in place via the A606 to the A46, A46 to Dalby Intersection, A6006 to Melton and vice versa.

Leicestershire County Council, which is behind the project, said there would be no pedestrian or cycle access available through the closures, but a pedestrian diversion will be put in place from Brampton Road to Southwell Close.

However, access to properties and businesses will be maintained throughout, the authority added.

Council leader Dan Harrison said: "This large-scale investment in Melton's transport infrastructure will have a hugely positive impact and help support the town's growth, now and into the future.

"In the longer-term, the new road will help to ease congestion in Melton's busy town centre, reduce congestion, improve access to housing, leisure and employment hubs and keep HGVs away from unsuitable rural routes.

"It's fantastic to see the project enter its final phase."

Currently, a section of the A607 Waltham Road, north-east of Thorpe Arnold, is shut until 22 June to build a new roundabout with a diversion in place.

It is anticipated these latest closures will be the last needed for the long-awaited project.

Mr Harrison added: "We know that planned road closures this summer will mean some temporary travel disruption in and around the town.

"We'd like to thank everyone affected in advance for their patience."