Junction work gets go-ahead on A1

A vital scheme to improve two junctions on the A1 at Elkesley, Nottinghamshire, has been given the go-ahead by Roads Minister Mike Penning following a public inquiry.

The Government confirmed funding for the £9.8m improvement earlier this year, less a £250,000 contribution from Nottinghamshire County Council. However, this was subject to completion of statutory planning and order making processes.

The scheme has now completed its final planning stages after the Minister accepted an independent Inspector's recommendation following a public inquiry that the scheme orders should be made.

Penning said: “The Government is committed to delivering transport projects which improve journeys and help economic growth so I am pleased to announce that this vital scheme has completed its final planning stages and can now proceed to construction.

“This scheme will improve journey time reliability and safety on the A1 - a strategically important road which links London, the south east and east coast ports with the Midlands and the north of England. Every pound invested in these improvements will deliver almost £12 in long term benefits to the economy.

"Replacing the junctions will improve journey time reliability and safety for the tens of thousands of people who use this part of the A1 each day.

"The scheme will also give better access to Elkesley by providing links to the local road network and through-traffic will be separated from local traffic. I am also pleased that on completion of the improvements, we will reintroduce the national 70mph speed limit along this 1.2-mile section of the A1."

Work on the scheme will start late 2012 and be finished in 2014.