Major traffic restrictions on Maid Marian Way in Nottingham will be lifted tonight (Wednesday 11 November), around two weeks ahead of schedule, following the demolition of the former NCP car park at Broad Marsh.
Homes England has confirmed that the contraflow system will be removed and Greyfriar Gate reopened, with the roads handed back to Nottingham City Council at midnight.
Lanes in both directions on Maid Marian Way will reopen, along with Greyfriar Gate and the bus lane, bringing an end to more than six weeks of major traffic restrictions associated with the demolition.
The changes are expected to ease congestion on one of the main routes through Nottingham city centre, which has experienced significant delays since the contraflow was introduced on 28 September.
The restrictions reduced Maid Marian Way to one lane in each direction, with vehicles sharing the northbound carriageway while contractors demolished the section of the former NCP car park extending above the road.
Greyfriar Gate and Albion Street were also closed as part of the traffic management arrangements.
The closures have caused substantial disruption to motorists and bus passengers, with congestion affecting surrounding routes and services operated by Nottingham City Transport and trentbarton.
When the demolition programme was announced in September, Homes England said restrictions would continue until late November or early December, with the road fully reopening ahead of Christmas.
However, the demolition has progressed more quickly than anticipated, allowing the road to be returned to normal use earlier than planned.
Homes England said the car park had been demolished faster than expected and the site cleared quickly afterwards, enabling contractors to bring forward the reopening.
Some work will continue in the area over the coming weeks.
Contractors still need to complete the reinstatement of the road, traffic islands, kerbs and street lighting.
Temporary traffic lights will also remain in operation at the Canal Street junction with Maid Marian Way, meaning some disruption is still possible.
Homes England expects the remaining highway restoration work to be completed before the end of November.
The agency thanked motorists, bus operators, businesses and residents for their patience during the demolition, particularly those based on Maid Marian Way and Greyfriar Gate who have been directly affected by the work.
The demolition of the NCP car park is part of the wider redevelopment of the former Broad Marsh shopping centre site.
Homes England acquired the site in March 2025 and appointed DSM Demolition to undertake work on the former car park and Nottingham College buildings.
Demolition of the former Nottingham College building on Maid Marian Way will continue, followed by further demolition work on the remaining former shopping centre structure.
The wider Broad Marsh regeneration proposals include around 1,000 homes, alongside commercial, leisure and cultural space, new streets and public areas.
Homes England is also seeking a development partner to take forward the next stages of the regeneration, with an appointment previously expected in 2027.
The latest progress follows the recent opening of the Connect Nottingham facility on the Broad Marsh site.
Although the major road restrictions are being lifted, demolition and redevelopment work will continue across the wider site as preparations are made for its future use.
