New Melton relief road named Pork Pie Way after public vote
£131 million infrastructure project hailed as a transformative boost for transport, housing and local growth
Melton Mowbray’s long-awaited distributor road has officially been named Pork Pie Way, following a public vote that drew almost 4,000 responses from residents.
The name was revealed on 14 May during a special preview event marking the completion of the £131 million scheme, attended by Roads Minister Simon Lightwood MP alongside local councillors, businesses and community representatives.
Selected by an overwhelming majority in the public poll, the new name pays tribute to Melton Mowbray’s internationally recognised food heritage and reinforces the town’s reputation as the Rural Capital of Food.
Leicestershire County Council leader Dan Harrison described the road’s completion as a landmark achievement for the county after years of planning and construction challenges.
He said:
“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 Minister Simon Lightwood MP said the project represented a proud moment for Melton Mowbray, highlighting the nearly £50 million of government funding invested in the scheme:
“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.”
Although traffic will begin using the road in phases from 18 May, the preview event marked the formal completion of what is the largest highways project ever undertaken by Leicestershire County Council.
The 4.5-mile route stretches from the A606 Nottingham Road near St Bartholomew’s Way, looping around the eastern side of Melton Mowbray before reconnecting with the A606 close to Burton Lazars. The bypass has been designed to ease congestion in the town centre, improve travel reliability and support long-term development plans.
Guests at the unveiling ceremony witnessed a symbolic pork pie cutting to celebrate the completion of the project and the town’s unique cultural identity.