Key route changes as work to reduce roadside emissions begins
Published: 15 January 2021
Roadworks sign
Changes are being made to a key route in the city, as part of a wider package of traffic management improvements, and will see the introduction of two traffic lanes from Uttoxeter Old Road into Friar Gate, and from Friar Gate to Bridge Street, in a bid to ensure that the full air quality benefits of the Council’s traffic management scheme are achieved.
The first phase of works, due to begin at the end of this month, will involve surveying and drain cleaning. Following that changes to kerb lines and traffic signals at junctions will be made, which will result in longer waiting times and diversions for pedestrians.
Every effort will be made to reduce disruption at peak periods but drivers are advised to allow extra time for their journeys, choose alternative modes of travel; or seek alternative routes. To help shorten the duration of the works the end of Brick Street will be closed during this phase of works which will result in a shorter diversion for drivers.
Works are expected to continue through to June 2021.
Due to the current pandemic, the Council have worked closely with Eurovia to ensure that all work is carried out in a safe manner, and in line with Public Health England and Construction Industry Council guidance on social distancing and safety operations.
However, some elements of the work will be difficult to complete with social distancing measures in place, and the contractor has provided us with details of how they will work through this as safely as possible, ensuring the safety of all those involved. We would ask that you please respect our key workers completing this essential work.
The Council has been working locally with officials from the Department for Environmental, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) since 2015 to identify measures to ensure the government can meet its obligations to reduce levels of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) emissions from vehicles, in the shortest possible time.
Following public consultation on three options, the Council put forward a traffic and network management solution to tackle the one area of exceedance identified on Stafford Street, in response to prescribed limits determined by EU legislation.
It includes several junction design changes, and a significant modernisation of the Council’s urban traffic management system.
The improvement works to change the junctions are part of a wider package of measures, that will enable the Council to better manage traffic flow and monitor air quality, that includes:
- The works include changes to the junctions at either end of Stafford Street to manage traffic flow in the most sensitive area
- changes to improve resilience and capacity at the Ashbourne Road / Uttoxeter Old Road junction to help provide alternative route choices
- traffic management measures to support alternative routes such as Uttoxeter Old Road
A Derby City Council spokesperson said:
“We are confident that the traffic and network management scheme is the most appropriate solution for Derby. It will deliver the reductions needed in the shortest possible time and contribute to improving the quality of air in our city. I look forward to seeing the work on the ground beginning in the new year, and the long term benefits it will bring once completed.”
More information can be found on our website.