Advance work starts on A453 widening

Advance work has begun on the A453 widening in Nottinghamshire in readiness for main construction to start between January and March 2013.

Work taking place in August includes archaeological surveys, ecology works and the installation of some permanent fencing. None of these works will affect traffic on the A453 or surrounding local roads.

Further advanced works are planned for the autumn, including more fencing and site clearance of selected trees and hedgerows. Some traffic management may be required during these works, especially where large trees are next to the road.

The A453 improvement will widen a seven mile stretch of the busy A453 between Junction 24 of the M1 and the A52 Nottingham Ring Road. Road users will benefit from reduced congestion, faster, more reliable journeys and improved safety on the route – a major link serving Nottingham, the M1 and East Midlands Airport.

Roads Minister Mike Penning said: “This is good news for everyone who uses the A453 between the M1 and Nottingham and it is an important step in the scheme’s progress, paving the way for the main construction which is planned to start in the new year. The existing single-carriageway road has become increasingly congested. It carries up to 30,000 vehicles a day and has a poor safety record.

“The widening scheme will improve safety, reduce congestion and make journeys more reliable for road users and businesses in the region.

“This scheme has very high levels of public support and has attracted funding contributions totaling more than £20 million from Nottinghamshire County Council and Rushcliffe Borough Council.”

As well as dealing with long-standing congestion and safety problems, the scheme will improve access to East Midlands Parkway station, and the Enterprise Zone at Beeston.