National Highways investing in safety and resilience for city as major scheme to get under way
“The scale of our ambitious works on the A52 should not be underestimated. When this scheme is finished the road will be safer, more resilient to modern weather patterns and provide the travel standards that cyclists and pedestrians need in a modern city environment.”
These are the words of National Highways’ Ian Doust who is part of the team delivering a large improvement scheme set to get under way on the A52 Derby Road in Nottingham which will bring the road up to modern standards and beyond.
National Highways has today announced that the work will begin on Monday 19 May.
Taking place between Priory roundabout and the Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC) roundabout, the scheme will resurface the carriageway, which is coming to the end of its working life, making journeys safer and smoother for drivers.
Parts of the ageing drainage system will be rebuilt to help tackle issues with flooding and cope with the strain of increased heavy rain and the impact of climate change.
In addition, ‘keep clear’ markings and other additional signage will be introduced to better enable access from local roads and to make directions clearer for all drivers using this stretch of road.
Caption: The carriageway will be reconstructed in the scheme meaning smoother and safer journeys for drivers
Programme Development Manager Ian Doust explained:
“There is so much work being invested in the area to bring this road up to modern standards and improve journeys for the thousands of drivers who use it every day.
“We have listened to people’s concerns and we are tackling issues of flooding, potholes, lighting and access from local roads. The cherry on the cake is the opportunity to make cycling safer and improving bus stop and crossing facilities so that everyone has a better journey.
“By doing all of this work at the same time we can significantly reduce the number of road closures and amount of roadworks needed – minimising disruption as much as possible whilst ultimately having the maximum impact on the quality and safety of people’s journeys.”
The new cycleway and pedestrian footpath is part of National Highway’s commitment to encourage healthy and sustainable travel and will help the city and county councils in their ambitions to provide a well-connected and complete network for cycling. As well as offering safe access to such amenities as Wollaton Park and the University of Nottingham, it will enable low carbon commutes to sites such as QMC and the city centre.
It is part-funded through National Highways’ Users and Community Designated Fund. Designated funds are ring-fenced funding that are used to invest in and support initiatives that deliver lasting benefits for road users, the environment and communities across England.
Street lighting, bus stops and pedestrian lighting-controlled crossings will also be upgraded as part of the scheme.
Caption: The improvements will include a new cycle path making it safer for people looking for healthier and sustainable travel into the city
Nottingham City Council Leader and Executive Member for Strategic Regeneration, Transport and Communications, Councillor Neghat Khan said:
"This investment on the A52 is fantastic news for Nottingham, delivering smoother, safer journeys, tackling flooding, and making it easier and greener for people to get around our city.
“It’s a big step towards building a better-connected, climate-resilient Nottingham where modern infrastructure supports healthier lifestyles, strengthens our economy and meets the needs of future generations.
“Whether you're travelling to work, education, healthcare or leisure, these improvements will make everyday journeys simpler, safer and more reliable for everyone who lives, works or travels here."
Hugh McClintock, of Pedals, the Nottingham Cycling Campaign, said:
“Pedals welcomes the plans to widen the path on the north side of this section of Derby Road to make it more suitable for shared use by cyclists and pedestrians, and appreciate the constraints faced on this busy main road. This facility will be a useful addition to the wider Nottingham cycle network.”
The scheme starts on Monday 19 May and will require mainly daytime working with some activities taking place overnight. It is expected to take 12 months to complete but will be carried out in eight phases of traffic management to reduce disruption.
For the first four months the westbound carriageway will be closed followed by the closure of the eastbound carriageway.
A 24/7 free recovery service will be operated to remove any vehicles that break down within the work area with CCTV cameras monitoring the roadworks.
More details of this scheme and other improvements taking place along the A52 are available on the A52 corridor webpage: https://nationalhighways.co.uk/a52corridor/
Notes to Editors
Programme Development Manager Ian Doust and Project Manager Susan Chambers are available for interviews on request. To arrange an interview contact Diane Davies on 07742 400104 or email PressOfficeMidlands@nationalhighways.co.uk
