Work on a major improvements scheme along the A52 Derby Road in Nottingham between Priory Roundabout and the Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC)is coming to an end, bringing the road up to modern standards.
The project saw National Highways reconstruct the carriageway – which was at the end of its working life – to bring smoother journeys and rebuilding parts of the ageing drainage system to tackle issues with flooding and the impacts of climate change.
It has also introduced a new, wider shared pathway for cyclists and pedestrians along this busy route into the city offering safe access to such amenities as Wollaton Park and the University of Nottingham, and enabling low carbon commutes to sites such as QMC and the city centre.
National Highways Project Manager, Susan Chambers, said:
“This has been a huge and complex project carrying out a series of improvements and essential renewals at the same time to reduce the impact on road users and the local community as far as possible.
“With all the major works completed, the benefits are clear – a safer, smooth road which is more resilient to today’s weather patterns and provides the travel standards that cyclists and pedestrians need in a modern city environment.
“We are grateful to people for their patience while we tackled this mammoth project and invite them to take a look at the new, improved and safer route whether on four wheels, two wheels or two feetHelen Berry, Chief Executive of nearby cycling charity RideWise, said:
“The cycle path runs outside our workshop and we’ve had loads of people asking about it. There is a lot of excitement, especially with the road connecting to the QMC and the city. This path will be safer and more appropriate for cyclists, a lot easier to use alongside the traffic flow on this busy route. We massively needed this upgrade. What puts people off cycling is they feel too close to traffic. The extra space gives people more security and they are more willing to give cycling a go, to get on their bike.
“This better, safer connectivity will encourage more people to get out of their cars and to cycle, with the benefits that brings.”
MP for Nottingham South, former Roads Miniser Lilian Greenwood, said:
“It’s been a number of years since I met National Highways alongside local councillors calling for safety improvements on the A52 and it’s wonderful to see the scheme finally finished: delivering improved crossings, new lighting and safer, smoother routes for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. I hope everyone agrees this upgrade was worth waiting for.”
(Picture: National Highways)
