A major highway upgrade scheme in Chellaston has finished on time and on budget, delivering smoother journeys for road users and unlocking future investment and growth opportunities.
The junction of Merrill Way, Chellaston Road and Boulton Lane has been undergoing improvements since January. Eight months on from the start of works, drivers, bus passengers and cyclists are now benefitting from improved traffic flow in all directions.
As part of the upgrades, new cycle lanes, improved facilities for pedestrians and extra traffic lanes have been added, making the junction easier to use for all road users.
This is an important section of Derby’s highway network, as the crossroads connect Chellaston and Shelton Lock with the city centre, Alvaston and Infinity Park Derby.
The works formed part of the planning conditions for the South Derby Growth Zone. With these met, work can progress on the Growth Zone which will attract further investment, create jobs, and boost the local economy.
Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability, said:
This is a significant scheme for Chellaston and the wider city, with this junction the meeting point of routes to the city centre, Infinity Park Derby and Derby’s southern suburbs.
Whenever we deliver these schemes, we want all road users to feel the benefits of an efficient, greener road network. That includes quicker bus journeys, safer crossings for cyclists and pedestrians, and fewer queues for cars.
Our environment will feel the benefit too, as less stationary traffic means less time on the road, fewer emissions, and improved air quality.
The Council received £3m of funding from the East Midlands Combined County Authority, with additional funding from Infinity Park Derby. To mark the completion of the scheme, Councillor Swan was joined by Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward and representatives from contractors C3. Speaking about the scheme, the Mayor said:
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said:
I came to Merrill Way back in January to see these works get started, and I’m so pleased that they’re now finished! They will make this busy part of Derby work better for everyone who uses it, whether they are driving, catching the bus, walking, or cycling.
By easing congestion, improving active travel routes and supporting better access to places like Infinity Park, this will make Derby move more smoothly today while putting the right infrastructure in place for future jobs, homes and investment.
A spokesperson for C3 Construction said:
Whilst this was a challenging scheme due to the volume of traffic and large number of existing services within the area, through our close working relationship with all parties involved, particularly Derby City Council and Infinity Park Derby, we were able to complete the works efficiently with as little disruption to the public as possible.
We are extremely proud to have been part of this scheme and look forward to working together on further schemes in the future.