Work to commence on the next phase of A52 scheme

Published: 24 May 2019

With over 18 million vehicles using the road each year, the A52 Wyvern Transport Improvement Scheme is a key infrastructure project for our city, which will bring significant benefits to a congested part of Derby’s principal road network, offering improved access to the city and supporting wider economic growth.

Recent work to demolish the Meadow Lane footbridge, which links Chaddesden to the Wyvern and Pride Park area was completed successfully and ahead of schedule, following approval by Council Cabinet to commence the work in April.  The new bridge, which is due to be in place by late Spring 2020, will bring huge improvements to walking and cycling facilities in the area, and create a fully accessible link between residential and commercial areas for pedestrians and cyclists.

With the bridge now removed, work can commence on the next phase of the wider scheme, which includes constructing new slip roads, and preparing the earthworks and supporting structures required for the new bridge.  Between June and September there will be an intensified programme of work, to take full advantage of the summer period when peak time traffic levels are typically reduced by up to 30%.

As a result, the A52 westbound Wyvern slip roads will need to be closed from Monday 3rd June 2019.  These closures are necessary to make a safer environment for both road users and construction staff during the works, as well as providing beneficial impact on the construction to the Derwent Parade roundabout, and creating an opportunity to accelerate the works and reduce congestion particularly in the pre-Christmas period.

The Wyvern to A52 westbound on-slip road will remain closed until the new footbridge has been fitted into place and the access ramps have been built, however the westbound to Wyvern off-slip road will reopen in late summer 2019.  Motorists will benefit from the improved realignment of the slip road making a smoother transition onto Wyvern.

Advance warning signs have now been installed, and signed diversions will be in place. Full details are available on our website.

Councillor Matthew Holmes, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Leadership, Regeneration and Public Protection said:

I would like to thank local residents, businesses and motorists for their continued patience and cooperation.  Delivering an infrastructure project of this size and complexity inevitably creates disruption, but we are now able to move forward with significant purpose over the next few months, so that the full long term benefits of this key infrastructure project can be delivered for the citizens and visitors of Derby. 

Regeneration, Transport