Long-awaited improvements to Lowdham roundabout to reduce congestion are set to become a reality, with works due to start on site later this week.
Site set-up, drainage works and utility diversions will mark the start of works on the scheme from 20 September, before focus turns to the reconstruction of the roundabout.
The works, which will be delivered by Galliford Try on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council and Via East Midlands, mean that temporary signals and reduced lanes will be in place on approaches to the roundabout over the coming months.
Lowdham roundabout is one of five junctions included in the A614/A6097 major road network scheme, and improvements will focus on increasing capacity by adding a second circulatory lane on the roundabout, as well as three approach lanes from the A612 Nottingham Road, including a dedicated left-turn filter lane.
Improvements will also include widened paths for pedestrians and cyclists, new pedestrian crossings and a reduced speed limit on all approaches to the new roundabout to improve road safety.
A new attenuation pond will also be constructed as part of the works to improve drainage and boost biodiversity in the area.
Motorists are advised to leave extra time for their journeys once works begin, as several traffic management measures will be needed across different construction phases, including a closure of Southwell Road between December 2026 and March 2027 and weekend closures on the A612 between October and November 2026.
Overnight closures between Ton Lane and Gunthorpe Road will also be needed as part of the scheme, and a diversion route will be in place once dates are confirmed.
Funding for the A614/A6097 scheme has been secured through a capped £24.3 million contribution from the Department for Transport, an additional £8.3 million from Nottinghamshire County Council, £1.7 million from developer contributions and £12.6 million from the East Midlands Combined County Authority and national government to complete the financial package.
Councillor Bert Bingham, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “The start of works at Lowdham roundabout marks a significant milestone for the long-awaited A614/A6097 scheme.
“We’re making significant upgrades to the A6097 just two miles apart, with works at Kirk Hill in East Bridgford already well underway.
“This roundabout is a key junction along one of Nottinghamshire’s busiest corridors, and the improvements will help to ease congestion at peak times and reduce journey times.
“By adding a second lane onto the roundabout itself, capacity will be increased, and motorists travelling from the A612 Nottingham Road will benefit from three approach lanes, including a left-turn filter lane.
“With schemes such as this, it is easy to focus on the improvements for motorists, but there are also benefits for pedestrians and cyclists through widened paths and new crossing points.
“Any scheme of this kind unfortunately means that there may be delays and disruption to local residents and motorists as various traffic management measures will be put in place throughout the construction.
“We understand that this may cause inconvenience, and we would like to reassure you that our programme has been carefully planned to keep disruption to a minimum.
“I would encourage everyone to keep up to date with scheme updates and road closures by signing up to our A614/A6097 WhatsApp channel and email bulletin.
“I’d like to thank Via East Midlands and other partners involved in this scheme, and I look forward to seeing these improvement works being delivered over the next 12 months.
“I would like to apologise in advance for any disruption as we deliver safer roads fit for Nottinghamshire’s future.”
Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward said: “Good transport links are essential to the East Midlands. They help people get to work, reach services and give businesses the connections they need to grow. The A614/A6097 is an important route for communities across Nottinghamshire, so investment to improve capacity and make journeys more reliable will make a real difference.
“These improvements at Lowdham will tackle congestion and make journeys safer and smoother. The better provision for pedestrians and cyclists will make it easier for people to walk and cycle too.
“I’m pleased to see work getting under way. This is very welcome for a key local route and will benefit the wider transport network that our people and businesses rely on every day.”
What’s happening at Lowdham roundabout?
The approach carriageways will be widened, additional lanes and MOVA-controlled signals will significantly increase capacity and reduce peak hour queuing.
Improved geometry, better visibility, new LED lighting and redesigned roundabout remove conflict points. New signal-controlled pedestrian crossings at all four arms.
New footways, upgraded pedestrian crossings and improved cycling facilities.
The work supports planned housing and employment growth at Teal Close Netherfield, RAF Newton and Chase Farm Gedling.
These works will be delivered by Galliford Try as the principal contractor.
Why are works needed?
The junction experiences significant congestion and delay during peak periods, impacting businesses and communities.
- Corridor must support economic and housing growth — major nearby developments will generate additional traffic.
- Nearby: Teal Close, Netherfield (830 homes), RAF Newton (650 homes), Chase Farm Gedling (1,050 homes).
- Limited provision for pedestrians and cyclists creates safety concerns at the junction.
Phase one – September to November 2026
- Site set up
- Tree protection, archaeology investigations,
- west and south radius kerb removals,
- spitter islands and median clearance
Traffic management
- Night-time lane closures
- Two-way signals for drainage crossings
- Half-width closures for duct crossings
Phase two – September 2026 to March 2027
- Site compound construction, west side offline works, road crossings.
- Nottingham Road night closure.
- South side offline works.
- STAT diversions (gas, water LV, BT).
Traffic management
- Four-way signals for A6097 carrier crossings.
- Temporary pedestrian diversion from Phase 2.1.
- Nottingham road night closure for ducting.
Phase three – November 2026
- A612 weekend road closures – northbound and southbound separately.
- Kerb removal, planing, base and binder course.
Traffic management
- Weekend road closures northbound then southbound (Friday night to Sunday)
- Signed diversions
Phase four – December 2026 to April 2027
- A6097 Northbound – west and south radius
- Kerbing, footways, ducting and chambers, street lighting, drainage connections, signage, and carriageway base and binder infill.
Traffic management
- A6097 reduced to one lane each direction
- Southwell road closed during Phase 5
- Temporary signals throughout
Phase five – February 2027 to April 2027
- A6097 Southbound – west and south radius
- Kerbing, footways, ducting and chambers, street lighting, drainage connections, signage, and carriageway base and binder infill.
Traffic management
- A6097 reduced to one lane each direction
- Southwell road closed during Phase 5
- Temporary signals throughout
Phase six – April 2027 to July 2027
- North median, south median and roundabout
- Ducting, new kerbs, carriageway base and binder infill, signals and street lighting installation.
Traffic management
- All four arms to a single lane.
- Outside then inside circulatory lane closed in sequence.
Phase seven – July 2027 to September 2027
- Full night closures
- Final surfacing (plane, base, binder, surface course), white lining, high friction surfacing, footways, landscaping and planting.
Traffic management
- Full night closures (22:00–06:00) for planning, base, binder and surface course.
- White lining and HFS under closure.
What time will you be doing works?
- Most of the works will take place in the daytime Monday to Friday between 7am and 6pm.
- Where works take place on a Saturday, this will be between 7:30am and 1pm.
- Between June and August 2027, we will be undertaking surfacing works overnight between 10pm and 6am.
