East Midlands A453 widening moves a step closer as new congestion-busting plans published
Details of a major road widening scheme to cut congestion, improve safety and help boost the East Midlands economy have been published today.
The improvement scheme would see the vital A453 widened between Junction 24 of the M1 and the A52 at Nottingham. This would bring faster and safer journeys to one of the most heavily congested routes in the East Midlands – and the main road link between Nottingham, the M1 and East Midlands Airport.
The improved A453 will also provide direct access to the new East Midlands Parkway Station – opened by Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon on Monday this week – making it easier to make journeys combining road and rail.
Transport Minister Andrew Adonis said:
“Widening the A453 will have huge benefits for everyone who uses the route – currently one of the most heavily congested roads in the region. Without improvements, congestion on this important link between Nottingham, the M1 and East Midlands Airport is set to get even worse with the number of vehicles using the route predicted to increase by up to 4,000 a day by 2027.
“The proposed scheme – which the East Midlands region has confirmed is a priority – will reduce congestion, improve journey time reliability, boost the region’s economy and make the route safer. It will also take traffic away from some communities who currently suffer from rat-running vehicles trying to avoid congestion.
“It won’t just be motorists who gain from the scheme. By increasing the road’s capacity and improving its design, pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders will benefit as footpaths and bridleways crossing the A453 will be easier and safer to use. These will form part of a continuous pedestrian and cyclist route nearly 6.2 miles long between Kegworth (Long Lane) and Clifton.”
Main works could start on site in winter 2010/11, subject to completion of statutory processes and consideration of any objections to the scheme. Subject to funding confirmation, this would allow the 7.1 miles stretch of widened road to open in 2012/13.
Draft orders, an Environmental Statement and a revised Preferred Route for the scheme – including proposals for an off-line section between Thrumpton and Mill Hill – have been published today. There will be a 13-week period during which statutory bodies, groups or individuals can comment on, support or object to the draft Orders.
The draft Orders and Environmental Statement can be viewed at a number of locations in the area (full details in notes to editors) as well as at two public exhibitions.
The exhibitions take place at the following times and venues:
* Wednesday, 25 February, from 2pm to 8pm, Kegworth Whitehouse Hotel, Packington Hill, Kegworth, Leicestershire, DE74 2DF
* Friday, 27 February 10am to 8pm and Saturday, 28 February 10am to 4pm, South Nottingham College, Farnborough Road, Clifton, Nottingham, NG11 8LU
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