National Highways has explained why motorists using the A52 near Nottingham may not see workers at the site of ongoing roadworks, despite traffic restrictions remaining in place.
The clarification follows complaints from drivers about delays around Wheatcroft Island and Nottingham Knight Island, where lane closures and reduced speed limits have caused significant congestion.
National Highways told The Wire that utility and telecommunications companies are currently relocating cables and pipes near Wheatcroft Island in preparation for the main construction work, which is due to begin next year.
Much of this work is taking place underground, meaning workers may not be visible to passing motorists.
The agency said: “Utility and telecoms companies are currently moving their cables and pipes near Wheatcroft Island, before our main construction can start next year. As a result, much of the work is taking place underground and so workers are not always visible when motorists are passing.”
The explanation comes after motorists questioned why traffic management measures remain in place when there appears to be little or no activity at the roundabouts.
National Highways has also provided further details of the timetable for the current phase of the scheme.
Advance work to remove utility and telecommunications infrastructure at Wheatcroft Island is expected to be completed by the end of November.
The agency said the existing closures will then be lifted during December, while work continues away from the road network.
Work is scheduled to move to Nottingham Knight Island from early January 2027.
National Highways said some work may be required at Nottingham Knight before January, but it intends to avoid carrying out work at both roundabouts simultaneously.
The clarification follows several days of significant congestion on the A52 and surrounding routes, with motorists reporting substantial increases in journey times.
A petition calling for changes to the traffic management arrangements has attracted over 5,000 signatures by 6 am on 5 November.
Rushcliffe Borough Council leader Cllr Neil Clarke has called for the works to be suspended, while Rushcliffe MP James Naish has said he is meeting National Highways to discuss the disruption.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, National Highways senior project manager Adam Gallis said the lane closures and reduced speed limits were necessary to protect workers and allow the A52 to remain open while work was carried out.
He said it would not be safe or efficient to remove and reinstate traffic management arrangements repeatedly during the current phase of the project.
National Highways said disruption should reduce in December before work resumes in January.
The wider A52 Nottingham Junctions scheme is intended to improve traffic flow at Wheatcroft Island and Nottingham Knight Island, two major junctions on the route into Nottingham.
