The long-awaited upgrade of the A52 in Nottingham, a critical lifeline for drivers in the area, has hit a snag causing a delay of a full year. Originally slated to break ground in autumn 2024, the project will now commence in autumn 2025. This shift comes from National Highways, who cite the need for further traffic modeling and design refinement to deliver the best possible outcome at key intersections like Nottingham Knight and Wheatcroft.
This project, part of the broader Road Investment Strategy backed by the government, promises to tackle headaches familiar to any commuter—congestion and bottleneck gridlocks. The enhancements will not only make these junctions safer but also more efficient by increasing capacity. Improvements are set to include installation of traffic lights, upgrades to pedestrian and cycling routes, and dedicated lanes for buses, all elements designed to streamline traffic flow significantly.
Extended Consultation and Public Input
In addition to tweaking technical details, the consultation phase for the Compulsory Purchase Orders and Side Roads Orders has been given an extension, running until 12 February 2025. This extension allows the public more time to have their say in the process. Importantly, there's a corrected email address for sending submissions—send any feedback to [email protected]. Feedback must be directed to the Secretary of State for Transport, with all necessary documents available at designated locations like National Highways offices and local libraries for public review.
But that's not all that's hindering the timeline. The ongoing review of transport spending across portfolios by the Transport Secretary could potentially sway the project's progression. Such government-level reviews often shuffle projects based on priority and budget considerations, and so the A52's future may hinge on these broader fiscal decisions. Despite these hurdles, National Highways remains resolute in their goal to deliver a top-notch scheme that addresses both current traffic challenges and future demands.
