National Highways has made changes to its work programme for the major A52 improvements scheme in Nottingham which will get it back on track after recent storms and unexpected challenges.
Working to get the scheme, between the Priory roundabout and the Queen’s Medical Centre, completed as soon as possible, National Highways expects to be able to pull back several weeks work.
One of the key changes will see a full weekend closure of the route which will avoid the need for six weeks of overnight closures.
As well as the severe weather this year, another challenge is the need for essential works to be carried out by Severn Trent. This would mean the utilities firm coming on site after the National Highways work is completed, bringing further disruption for local people and motorists.
However, the A52 project team has looked at how it can accommodate Severn Trent during the current road closures and alongside its own works, reducing the impact on local people.
National Highways Project Manager, Sue Chambers, said:
“We fully appreciate how disruptive any roadworks can be, especially a scheme of this size, and are constantly reviewing our programme to see if we can minimise the impact on motorists and communities.
“With any major infrastructure project like this there will also be unforeseen challenges and we must respond accordingly. These have included wildlife and ecological constraints, extreme weather, issues with unidentified utilities and working in a tight construction corridor.
“Having reviewed our works, we have overcome these challenges and battled to keep the scheme on track. We want to thank residents and road users for their patience and are happy that they will soon be enjoying all the benefits these improvements will bring.”
The weekend closure will take place from 8pm on Friday 27 March until 6am on Monday 30 March.
Once completed, the new cycleway and footpath is expected to be able to open in mid-April, ensuring safer travel for pedestrians and cyclists, with the A52 set to be running again in both directions in the daytime by early May.
The scheme is back on track to be completed in around 12 months and so fully open in early June.
It includes resurfacing the carriageway, which is coming to the end of its working life, making journeys safer and smoother for drivers.
(Picture: National Highways)
