There are fears the bypass could lead to a bottleneck

But residents in Kibworth Harcourt have said the Great Glen bypass will cause accidents and congestion in their village.

The Highways Agency has said it is putting traffic calming measures in the village to stop people speeding off the bypass.

The 5.5km bypass off the A6 was officially opened by the Transport Minister, David Jamieson, on Wednesday afternoon.

Traffic bottleneck

It runs between the Gorse Lane junction and the village of Kibworth Harcourt.

The Highways Agency has said it will reduce traffic in Great Glen by 80%, and lead to 323 fewer accidents, over a 30-year period, including 18 deaths.

Another reason for wanting the bypass is to improve safety John Steele, project sponsor

But people living in Kibworth Harcourt say it will only create congestion and safety problems in their village instead.

They are worried the junction where the bypass feeds back on to the A6 will become a dangerous bottleneck.

The Highways Agency has said it is currently considering a range of safety measures, including new signs and road markings, and a possible change to the speed limit.

The project sponsor for the Highways Agency, John Steele, says the bypass will make a big difference.

"What we are trying to do is redirect and separate local traffic and through traffic.

"Another reason for wanting the bypass is to improve safety.

"There are a number of junctions on the old A6 and there have been some accidents over the years and the purpose-built bypass will improve the safety record."