Cllr Gordon Wheeler is at the forefront of efforts to secure an earlier start date for critical improvements to the A52 Nottingham Knight roundabout.
Following a controversial announcement in August that the long-awaited works would be delayed by a year, Cllr Wheeler has been actively lobbying Nottinghamshire County Council (NCC) and the Cabinet Member for Highways and the Environment to push National Highways for urgent action.
National Highways says in its latest update: ‘The Transport Secretary has commissioned a review of the Department for Transport’s spending portfolio, including current and future road schemes.
‘While the review is ongoing, we’re continuing with our work on the scheme.’
The Nottingham Knight roundabout is a vital yet hazardous junction that experiences daily congestion and poses significant safety risks, particularly for drivers navigating from Loughborough Road. The year-long delay has frustrated residents.
Cllr Wheeler, who has championed the cause on behalf of the community, is determined to see the works brought forward. “The delay to these critical improvements is unacceptable for local residents who endure long queues and face safety concerns every day,” said Cllr Wheeler. “While a proposed new start date of October next year has been announced, I am pushing for assurances that this timeline will be met—or ideally brought forward.”
National Highways has also sent a letter to residents outlining plans for a compulsory land purchase required for the project. Cllr Wheeler is working to ensure that any disruption to residents during this process, and the subsequent construction, will be minimised and effectively managed while keeping residents updated throughout.
In response to Cllr Wheeler’s lobbying, newly appointed leader Cllr Sam Smith and Cllr Neil Clarke have written a joint letter ( below ) directly to National Highways, urging them to review the current timeline and explore options to accelerate the Nottingham Knight project. The Council has also pledged its full support to help expedite the works.
“The Nottingham Knight roundabout has been a priority for years, and it’s time we see meaningful progress. I’ll continue to work with all parties to ensure our residents’ voices are heard and that this essential project doesn’t face further delays,” added Cllr Wheeler.
Cllr Wheeler and Nottinghamshire County Council now await a response from National Highways and remain hopeful for a positive outcome that addresses the community’s urgent needs.
In its latest update on the project on 25 November 2024 National Highways said:
‘Following the completion of additional traffic modelling, we’re progressing with plans to improve the Nottingham Knight and Wheatcroft Junctions.
‘As part of this process, we have submitted an Order to the Secretary of State for Transport. This Order will enable the compulsory purchase of land in the West Bridgford Urban District, within the Rushcliffe Borough Council area of Nottinghamshire, to facilitate the development of the improved road junctions.
Deposit points
The Orders and supporting documentation have been deposited at the following locations:
National Highways
The Cube, 199 Wharfside Street, Birmingham, B1 1RN
Ruddington Library
Church St, Ruddington, Nottingham NG11 6HD
Opening times Tuesday and Thursday – 9:30am to 5:30pm, Friday – 9:30am to 5.00pm, Saturday – 9:30am to 1.00pm.
West Bridgford Library
Bridgford Rd, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 6AT
Opening times: Monday to Thursday – 9:00am to 6:00pm, Friday – 9:00am to 5pm, Saturday – 9:00am to 4.00pm, Sunday 11.00am to 3.00pm.
You can also view the documents in the legal documents section of this page.
Objection period
The Compulsory Purchase Order and Side Roads Order is open to objection or representation until 20 January 2025.
Any objection to the Orders must be made in writing to the Secretary of State for Transport at the National Transport Casework Team, Tyneside House, Skinnerburn Road, Newcastle Business Park, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 7AR, or by email to nationalcasework@dft.gsi.gov.uk.
