Funding boost secured for major roads scheme

Plans to improve roads in north Nottinghamshire have been in the works for years

Work can start on a project to improve two major roads in north Nottinghamshire, after a multimillion-pound investment was secured for the region.

East Midlands mayor Claire Ward said the Department for Transport (DfT) confirmed it would contribute £31.5m to the A614 and A6097 scheme.

It is hoped the improvements will help tackle congestion and make journeys quicker and easier at key pinch points in Lowdham, Ollerton, and Blidworth.

Ward said the funding was a "big win" for local communities.

The roads scheme, involving the A614 and A6097, has been on the cards for years.

However, issues over funding, the creation of the East Midlands mayoralty, and a change of government raised questions over the project.

Ward said the new funding was agreed with Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, at 10 Downing Street this week.

The project is set to cost £41.5m in total.

The department's Major Road Network Programme will provide £24m while £7.5m will come from the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) using the DfT Transport to City Regions (TCR) funding.

The remaining £10m will be put forward by Nottinghamshire County Council.

East Midlands mayor Claire Ward said the funding was agreed at 10 Downing Street last week

Ward said: "This multimillion investment we're putting into the A614/A6097 corridor is a game changer for north Nottinghamshire.

"By tackling congestion at key pinch points in Edwinstowe, Lowdham, Ollerton, and Blidworth, we're not only reducing journey delays and improving bus journeys, but we're also making it quicker and easier for people to get where they need to be.

"This funding will significantly improve the daily lives of local residents, whilst opening up the potential for new homes and drive economic growth in the area."

Nottinghamshire County Council said the scheme would include improvements at a number of junctions, including a widening of the approach to Ollerton Roundabout which would "significantly increase capacity".

Lowdham Roundabout will also see the addition of a third lane on the A612, boosting capacity, while a maintenance scheme and relining will take place at White Post Roundabout.

The Warren Hill junction will be simplified with an extended merge lane being constructed.

Mick Barton, leader of the council, said: "This is excellent news for Nottinghamshire, and we are delighted that the scheme has now received approval from the government.

"There is no doubt that these improvements are long-awaited for the people of Nottinghamshire and whether it is motorists, residents or the local economy - there are benefits for all."

Work on the roads is due to begin in January next year, with the improvements being delivered alongside new housing developments and economic growth plans.