The transport secretary Heidi Alexander has given the go-ahead for two A52 improvement schemes following a public inquiry.
Designed to reduce congestion and improve safety for road users, National Highways can now carry out work around the Nottingham Knight and Wheatcroft roundabouts to ‘enlarge and change the layout' and the junctions. The scheme will also see the installation of a cut through in the middle of the island connecting the A52, which aims to reduce journey times.
This project was initially subject to an inquiry earlier this year after the national road authority submitted a Compulsory Purchase Order and Side Roads Order to Ms Alexander.
Since 2021, National Highways has already implemented improvements to four of the smaller A52 junctions at Bingham, Stragglethorpe, Silverdale and Gamston, which included updating and installing new signals, some junction reconstructions and improved active travel routes that enhance safety for all users.
Jonathon Pizzey, senior project manager at National Highways, said: ‘We welcome this decision which is a pivotal step in our proposals to transform an important east-west link road in Nottinghamshire, connecting communities and key parts of the city and its surrounding towns.
‘It has always been our priority to help reduce congestion at these busy junctions and keep traffic flowing, and we remain committed to improving commuter journeys while supporting the long-term growth of the region.'
The main contractor for the work, Griffiths Farrans Joint Venture (GFJV), is now expected to finalise plans for its initial works, which are scheduled to start in 2026, but these may be subject to appeals.
