A38 Derby Junctions upgrade given the greenlight supporting over 15,000 new homes

Drivers across the East Midlands are set to see faster journeys, as the A38 Derby Junctions upgrade is given the green light, funding for the A46 Newark Bypass is confirmed, the Government announced recently

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Transport is the backbone of our economy, which is why we are giving them the record funding boost they need, putting taxpayer’s money where it matters most and making every day journeys easier.   

“With over £92 billion investment, including the biggest ever boost for city regions in the North and Midlands, we’re delivering the schemes that fast-track economic growth and jobs, connect communities, and will help us build 1.5 million new homes, as we deliver our Plan for Change.    

“We’re forging ahead with the vital new transport infrastructure Britain needs, and improving what we’ve already got, to deliver a new era of renewal and opportunity.” 

The A38 Derby Junction scheme will shave up to 9 minutes off journeys, saving commuters, business and freight thousands of hours every week, boosting economic growth across the region.   

It supports Derby’s plans for local housing and employment developments, and the Government’s Plan for Change, including over 15,400 houses and 658,300 sqm of business land by 2031, as well as provide better links to employment opportunities, improving connections for businesses like Rolls Royce, Toyota, Bombardier, and the Infinity Park Enterprise Zone.     

On top of this, the A46 Newark Bypass will, subject to planning permission, see reduced journey times, savings commuters, business and freight thousands of hours every week, as the Government has confirmed funding.    

The scheme would aim to boost economic growth across, improving road connections for businesses and freight in the Midlands, Lincolnshire and connecting the Midlands to key ports such as Grimsby and Humber. Ports.   

Rail passengers are also set to benefit from digital signalling upgrades, bringing the railway between London and Grantham into the 21st century. Digital signalling is even safer, more resilient, more reliable, and greener than traditional signalling.   

The digital signalling upgrade will also enable the development of new digital skills in the rail sector as well as the creation of 4,800 new roles across the supply chain.   

To support local journeys, the Government is also continuing to support two local road schemes across the East Midlands, vital to connecting and growing communities. These are not major motorway or A-roads, but junctions, bypasses and traffic easing projects which will ease thousands of congested commutes and unlocking further housing and jobs.    

The A511 Growth Corridor will see a package of upgrades, including improvements to 8 junctions, a dual carriageway and an extension to Bardon Link road. A new dual carriageway will also be created for the North Hykeham Relief Road, south of Lincoln. 

It comes as the Government greenlights over fifty road and rail upgrades across the country, as part of the £92 billion of transport investment in the Spending Review, supporting 42,000 jobs, enabling 1.5 million new homes, and improving connectivity for 50,000 people as part of its Plan for Change. 

Michael Hardy, Director, Newark Business Club Action Group, said: “We are pleased that this project is moving forward, as it stands to offer significant benefits to both our members and the broader business community. These include alleviating congestion—a recurrent concern for Newark—reducing travel times for employees and customers and making Newark a more accessible destination. Such improvements are anticipated to attract greater interest and investment to the town, while also helping to lower air pollution levels currently exacerbated by traffic congestion.” 
  
Simon Ecclestone, CEO, Newark Showground, said: "These improvements will significantly improve traffic flows and logistics both to and around the Showground, bringing significant economic benefits locally and regionally. The improvements will enhance flexibility, reduce delays and directly improve the attraction of the Showground as a major regional event facility, which will lead to increased volumes of business, allow for improvements in service delivery to these customers and create additional employment opportunities.”