Highways England response to Rushcliffe council leader over A52 roadworks

Highways England have provided a statement in response to the leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council, Cllr Simon Robinson’s strong criticism of their management of the road works on the A52 at Radcliffe on Trent.

Highways England project manager, Kanishka Varoon told The Wire: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this work.

“There is never an ideal time to carry out roadworks and we are working during the day in order to complete work as quickly and safely as possible and to keep noise disturbance to a minimum.

“We’re looking at ways to minimise disruption and have been adjusting the traffic lights to try and improve the flow of traffic. We’re also putting in extra signage, including at junctions.

“We need to close one lane to maintain a safe working area.”

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Yesterday Cllr Robinson said:

“These roadworks could not have more badly timed.

“Local businesses are just getting back on their feet after the pandemic then Highways England cause major disruption for 12 weeks.

“Residents and businesses alike are suffering huge delays and inconvenience

“This has really hit the high streets in Bingham and Radcliffe.

Cllr Robinson added:

‘I have written to Highways England asking them –

‘Why they couldn’t have done the work during lockdown or during the school holidays when there is less traffic?

‘And

‘Why couldn’t they do the work overnight and try and open the road as much as possible during the daytime?

‘It is unacceptable a public organization like this seems to give such little regard for residents and businesses alike.’

The utility works (gas, electric, water and telecoms) are to safely move the utilities in advance of proposed main highway works.

The work is being carried out in phases along the A52, beginning near Golf Road and moving along the A52, ending near Bingham Road.

Highways England say that to maintain a safe environment for workforces and customers, they need to close one lane, put temporary traffic lights in place and close Carter Avenue at the junction with the A52; see image below. The traffic management will remain in place until the work is complete.

The work begin on 21 June and will take 12 weeks to complete.