Work on a major improvement scheme along the A52 in Nottingham is coming to an end, and road users and cyclists have already welcomed the benefits.
Only the finishing touches remain on the A52 Derby Road between Priory Roundabout and the Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC) scheme, which has brought the road up to modern standards, says National Highways.
Work carried out by National Highways has included reconstructing the carriageway – which was at the end of its working life – to provide smoother journeys and rebuilding parts of the ageing drainage system to tackle issues with flooding and the impacts of climate change.
It has also introduced a new, wider shared pathway for cyclists and pedestrians along this busy route into the city, offering safe access to amenities such as Wollaton Park and the University of Nottingham, and enabling low-carbon commutes to sites such as the QMC and the city centre.
National Highways Project Manager Susan Chambers said:
“This has been a huge and complex project, carrying out a series of improvements and essential renewals at the same time to reduce the impact on road users and the local community as far as possible.
“With all the major works completed, the benefits are clear – a safer, smoother road which is more resilient to today’s weather patterns and provides the travel standards that cyclists and pedestrians need in a modern city environment.
“We are grateful to people for their patience while we tackled this mammoth project and invite them to take a look at the new, improved, and safer route, whether on four wheels, two wheels, or two feet.”
Helen Berry, Chief Executive of nearby cycling charity RideWise, said:
“The cycle path runs outside our workshop, and we’ve had loads of people asking about it. There is a lot of excitement, especially with the road connecting to the QMC and the city. This path will be safer and more appropriate for cyclists, and a lot easier to use alongside the traffic flow on this busy route.
“We massively needed this upgrade. What puts people off cycling is that they feel too close to traffic. The extra space gives people more security, and they are more willing to give cycling a go and get on their bikes.
“This better, safer connectivity will encourage more people to get out of their cars and cycle, with the benefits that brings.”
MP for Nottingham South, Lilian Greenwood, said:
“It’s been a number of years since I met National Highways alongside local councillors, calling for safety improvements on the A52, and it’s wonderful to see the scheme finally finished, delivering improved crossings, new lighting, and safer, smoother routes for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. I hope everyone agrees this upgrade was worth waiting for.”
Councillor Patience Ifediora, Executive Member for Regional Development, Growth and Transport at Nottingham City Council, said:
“These improvements are a welcome investment in one of Nottingham’s busiest routes. In addition to creating a smoother, more resilient road, the new walking and cycling route will make it easier and safer for people to travel between the Queen’s Medical Centre, the University of Nottingham, and the city centre. This work will help support a greener, healthier, and better-connected Nottingham for years to come.”
During the works, National Highways reconstructed the road across an area of some 32,000 m² – that’s the size of four and a half Wembley football pitches.
National Highways has taken the opportunity to introduce ‘keep clear’ markings and other additional signage to better enable access from local roads and to make directions clearer for all drivers using this mile-long stretch of road.
Street lighting, bus stops, and five pedestrian light-controlled crossings have also been upgraded as part of the scheme.
The new cycleway and pedestrian footpath are part of National Highways’ commitment to encourage healthy and sustainable travel and will help the city and county councils in their ambitions to provide a well-connected and complete network for cycling.
It is part-funded through National Highways’ Customer and Communities Fund, which supports active travel improvements, such as cycling and walking links, safer crossings, and the removal of historic severances created by major roads.
Designated Funds is a ring-fenced programme that supports targeted investment and delivers benefits beyond our core road operations, maintenance, renewals, and enhancement activities. Since 2015, the programme has provided a flexible way to invest in projects and initiatives that benefit customers, communities, and the environment.
