Council confident new T-junction is 'right thing'

Councillor Linda Woodings said the work did not cost the council any money

A major project to transform a Nottingham city centre roundabout into a T-junction is nearly complete.

The £8.97m scheme, which started in May 2024, has seen the Maid Marian Way island - which connected the road with Derby Road and Upper Parliament Street - removed.

It now includes new smart traffic lights, which can sense the flow of traffic, pedestrian crossings, seating, and bike lanes.

Councillor Linda Woodings, who is responsible for transport, said: "I'm convinced that we've done the right thing for members of the public and drivers as well, as far as improving this junction's layout and the pavement area."

The junction connects Maid Marian Way, Derby Road, and Upper Parliament Street

Woodings added: "We could see that the junction was working better with fewer queues... I myself have used the junction a few times since it's been fully open, and I can see the difference."

All that remains is the planting of trees and wildflowers, which must be done during the winter to provide them with the best chance of survival.

Woodings said the authority's expert traffic officers had determined the scheme to be successful at reducing traffic and improving the experience for pedestrians.

The final 40 trees will be planted in October or November

The work has been financed through the Future High Streets Fund - a 2018 government programme which was launched to "renew and reshape" town centres and high streets around the country.

The change to the road layout had been criticised by motorists, bus companies, and nearby businesses when construction work began.

However, Woodings said those teething problems had been resolved during the works and that people were now happy with the new junction.

She added that the previous roundabout "just wasn't working".

Robin Griffiths said the area had been turned into a "really pleasant environment"

BBC News spoke to people about the changes.

Robin Griffiths, who lives in Nottingham, said the new junction was "immeasurably better".

"As a pedestrian in the area, because I walk to work, this is now a pedestrian-led environment with a few cars through the middle of it, as opposed to being a massive traffic interchange," he said.

The 49-year-old added the disruption caused by the construction work had been worthwhile.

Jodie Saunders, who commutes to work from Gedling, said she now felt much happier walking through the area.

"I would actually take my lunch break here now," the 26-year-old said.

Woodings said the new T-junction would come to be appreciated by residents and motorists in the same way that motorways and trams were now.

"All transport programmes are difficult, there was huge opposition to the M1 before that was introduced, but we wouldn't be without now," she said.

"So you have to be able to be a bit bold, a bit brave, and go ahead with the project because you will see the long-term advantages.

"Nobody wants change, but sometimes it's just the right thing to do."