More delays hit Millhouse roundabout scheme

Works have been ongoing at the A57 Millhouse Roundabout since mid-February to make a number of improvements, including the introduction of traffic signals to the roundabout that link the A57, A60, B6024 Newcastle Avenue and St Annes Drive, between the M1 motorway and the A1(M).

However, due to unforeseen circumstances related to drainage, challenging ground engineering issues and the discovery and safe removal of asbestos, the works on the roundabout have taken longer than initially planned.

The Guardian revealed in September that the project had hit delays - and the final section of work will now not get underway until November 21.

Via East Midlands, which manages highways services on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council, is now entering the final stages of the project and assures road users that it is working hard to ensure that disruption is minimised.

Vehicle capacity on the roundabout will be increased by the week ending November 11 as a new pedestrian footway will open, allowing the removal of the temporary footway and barriers adjacent to the petrol station and A57 northbound. The realignment of the pedestrian islands to St. Annes estate and crossing the A57 northbound will be completed by the following week.

Carriageway resurfacing of the Millhouse roundabout and A57 southbound will be the final stage of the works and will commence on November 21.

To minimise disruption for road users, this will take place overnight for up to 15 nights, subject to weather conditions.

As a result, road closures will be in place from 8pm to 6am and diversions will be in operation. These works are timed so as not to conflict with other works happening on the A1, which will be a part of the signed diversion route.

Neil Hodgson, head of consultancy for Via East Midlands, said: “The improvement works at the Millhouse roundabout is a major project that will bring a number of long-term benefits to the region. Local residents and road users will be well aware of the unforeseen issues that we have encountered during the works. These have resulted in the construction period being longer than originally anticipated and I am acutely aware of the frustration this brings to all concerned, so I thank everyone for their patience.

“We are now entering the final stages of construction, with works culminating in the resurfacing and road marking of the roundabout and A57 southbound carriageway between the Sainsburys and Millhouse roundabouts. We have ensured these works are scheduled overnight to minimise the impact on road users and will work to minimise the extent of any daytime lane closures for the remaining period of the project.”

Full details of the road closure and diversion routes will be published shortly.