Leicestershire County Council has said it may have to scrap the £84.6m A511 Growth Corridor Project due to a lack of funding.

Government funding to the tune of over £40m has already been committed to the project through the national Major Road Network Fund, according to the BBC, but there have been warnings of an estimated £13m budget gap that the council may struggle to fill.

Should it proceed, the scheme features improvements to nine locations between the A42 junction 13 near Ashby-de-la-Zouch and the A50 Field Head roundabout (east of the M1 Junction 22), including upgrading a section of Stephenson Way from single to dual carriageway as well as the construction of a new south-heading link road from the A511 Bardon Road roundabout to a housing development on Grange Road.

The latest update on the project's site states that ‘essential enabling works' have already begun at ‘a number of locations', with more scheduled to be carried out throughout November and December, but the council is reportedly planning to discuss whether to pause, cancel or continue with the scheme during a meeting in December.

The BBC stated that the scheme has already seen £15m spent on land acquisitions and preliminary works.

Cllr Andrew Hamilton-Gray, cabinet member for highways at Leicestershire County Council, said: ‘Anyone who uses the A511 knows how important it is to local people, businesses and our wider economy.

‘That's why work is continuing on the plans to improve the route between Ashby and Field Head, including design work and recent utility works to help prepare for any future construction. I'd like to thank residents, businesses and everyone who uses the route for their patience and understanding while this work takes place.

‘The full scheme has the potential to bring long-term benefits for journeys, connectivity and future growth in Leicestershire, which was recently recognised by members of the Growth, Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee.

‘Work is currently underway to confirm the latest costs and funding position. Cabinet will consider proceeding to construction based on the full range of evidence, including the wider benefits for Leicestershire, as part of its final decision at the December Cabinet meeting.'