A petition calling for action over prolonged lane closures and traffic delays on the A52 in Nottinghamshire has attracted 3,460 signatures, as National Highways says the restrictions are necessary for safety and cannot be removed at the end of each working day.
The petition has been launched amid growing complaints about congestion around the Wheatcroft and Nottingham Knight junctions, where journeys that would normally take around 25 minutes are reportedly taking up to an hour and a half.
National Highways has now responded to concerns about the restrictions, confirming that work will be reduced in December ahead of Christmas before resuming in January.
Adam Gallis, Senior Project Manager for National Highways, told The Wire in response:
“The A52 Nottingham Junctions scheme is a crucial project that will tackle the bottleneck junctions that have plagued drivers and communities for so long, improving traffic flow and congestion at these two important roundabouts.
“We appreciate that roadworks do impact journeys, but the current lane closures and reduced speed are necessary for the safety of workers and to ensure the A52 can stay open while work is ongoing. It is not safe or efficient for us to keep removing and reinstating the traffic management throughout this phase of works.
“Our works will reduce in December, in the run-up to Christmas when we know roads can be busier, before recommencing in January.
“Our aim is always to minimise disruption and we carefully consider lane closures and consult with local authorities before schemes get under way. We continually monitor and review the schemes as work progresses.”
Rushcliffe MP James Naish has also confirmed to West Bridgford Wire that he has a meeting with National Highways on Thursday 5 November to discuss the situation.
Meanwhile, the leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council has called for the works to be suspended amid the continuing disruption.
Local councillors have been encouraging residents and commuters to support the petition, which calls for National Highways to review traffic management arrangements and take steps to reduce delays.
The disruption is affecting families taking children to school, commuters travelling to work and appointments, and local businesses whose staff, customers and deliveries are experiencing delays.
Residents have also raised concerns about traffic restrictions remaining in place for extended periods, particularly when little or no visible work appears to be taking place.
The petition asks National Highways to review current lane closures and remove restrictions when they are no longer necessary, subject to safety requirements.
It also calls for alternative traffic management arrangements outside working hours, reduced disruption during school-run and peak commuting periods, and consideration of the wider impact on surrounding communities, local roads and businesses.
Further requests include clearer communication about roadworks, closures and expected completion dates, and a meeting between National Highways, local councillors and community representatives to discuss practical solutions.
Councillor Hetvi Parekh said:
“Residents are understandably frustrated. Journeys are taking significantly longer than they should, children are arriving late at school, people are struggling to get to work and local businesses are feeling the impact.
“We recognise that essential roadworks and safety measures are necessary. However, residents deserve to know that traffic management arrangements are being regularly reviewed and that every effort is being made to minimise disruption.
“It is particularly frustrating when motorists face significant restrictions but see little or no visible activity taking place. We need greater transparency about why these restrictions remain in place and whether alternative arrangements could be introduced safely.
“That is why we are asking residents to sign the petition. It is an opportunity for the community to come together and make its concerns heard directly by National Highways. The more people who support it, the stronger the message we can take forward.”
Nottinghamshire county councillors Jonathan Wheeler and Richard Butler have also raised concerns directly with Farrans, the contractor undertaking the works on behalf of National Highways.
Following a meeting with the contractor, they were advised that the current phase of work is expected to continue until mid-to-late November, after which the works will move towards Loughborough Road before returning to the current area next year.
Cllr Wheeler challenged the contractor’s explanation that restrictions could not be removed when workers had finished for the day because of highway safety concerns.
He asked for alternative arrangements to be explored, has since sought a further response and intends to escalate the matter.
Cllr Parekh has separately contacted National Highways formally, requesting an explanation of the current traffic management arrangements and a meeting with the A52 Project Manager.
The councillors acknowledged that National Highways is responsible for delivering the scheme and that Rushcliffe Borough Council has no direct control over the roadworks or associated traffic management.
However, they said local representatives should continue to seek answers about the disruption and its impact on residents.
The restrictions form part of preparatory work for the A52 Nottingham Junctions scheme, which will involve enlarging and redesigning the Wheatcroft and Nottingham Knight roundabouts to improve traffic flow.
The wider programme includes new routes through the centres of the roundabouts, traffic signals and improvements for pedestrians and cyclists.
Main construction is expected to begin in early 2027, with the overall scheme scheduled to continue until spring 2029.
Residents and commuters can sign the A52 petition here.
