The £131m Melton Mowbray Distributor Road reached a major milestone today (14 May) as its name was unveiled and the scheme officially marked complete at a preview event attended by Roads Minister Simon Lightwood MP.
Chosen by local residents in a decisive public vote, Leicestershire County Council’s road will be known as Pork Pie Way. The bold and distinctive name celebrates Melton Mowbray’s world-famous food heritage and its identity as the Rural Capital of Food.
Nearly 4,000 people took part in the poll, with the winning name receiving overwhelming public backing, making the reveal a proud and memorable moment for the town.
“It is an absolute honour to mark what is a once-in-a-generation moment for our county. This scheme stands on decades of work and has been delivered through some of the most challenging years any major project could face.
“From the Covid 19 pandemic and global supply chain disruption, to severe flooding and international instability, reaching this point is a huge credit to everyone involved in building the road and I want to congratulate all those who have worked hard to make this a reality.
“Thank you to local people for their patience and understanding along the way. Today marks the completion of a road that will transform how this area functions and grows for future generations.”
Roads and Buses Minister, Simon Lightwood MP, said: “I was absolutely delighted to be in Melton Mowbray today to mark the opening of Pork Pie Way – a name that embraces the history and heritage of the town – which has been backed by nearly £50 million in government investment.
“It’s a proud moment that puts Melton Mowbray firmly on the map, while creating a road that will support new jobs, homes, and opportunities for years to come.”
While the new route will be brought fully into use on Monday (18 May) through a carefully managed opening, today’s event formally marks the completion of the council’s biggest ever highways project and the conclusion of almost a decade of planning and construction.
The 4.5 mile road runs from the A606 Nottingham Road near St Bartholomew’s Way, around the eastern edge of Melton Mowbray and back to the A606 near Burton Lazars. It has been designed to remove through traffic from the town centre, cut congestion, improve journey reliability and support long-term housing and economic growth. The scheme has been delivered on behalf of Leicestershire County Council by contractor Galliford Try.
The name was revealed to an invited audience, including councillors, MPs, local businesses and community figures who have been closely involved in the project. The occasion was marked with the ceremonial cutting of a pork pie symbolising the scale of the achievement and the town’s unique character.
Councillor Ronan Browne, Leader of Melton Borough Council, said: “This is a defining moment for Melton Mowbray. The new road and its name reflect both our heritage, our character and our ambition, giving the town the infrastructure it needs to grow while celebrating what makes Melton Mowbray distinctive and special. On behalf of Melton Mowbray, I would like to thank all those involved in making this historic moment a reality.”
In line with standard highways safety procedures, the road will open to traffic in a phased way over the coming days, allowing final checks and adjustments to be completed before it becomes fully operational.
The scheme has achieved an ‘outstanding’ rating from the Considerate Constructors Scheme, with three gold awards recognising the high standards achieved across safety, environmental care and consideration for local communities.’
