Work to transform 'horrendous' junction set to begin
BBCWork aimed at improving a key junction on a busy road in Nottinghamshire will begin next month, it has been confirmed.
The Kirk Hill junction of the A6097 near East Bridgford will be widened, with an extra lane added in each direction.
It is part of a major scheme of improvements along the A614 and A6097, with five junctions set to be upgraded.
East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward said the work would "unlock" development in the area.
"For many years people in Nottinghamshire have been telling me and indeed their councillors and members of Parliament - to get something done about this road," she said.
"It will unlock houses that can't be built along this road or nearby because of the added congestion, it will make it easier for development to take place with businesses, it will help to move people along that corridor much quicker."
The wider project has been in the works for years and has previously faced uncertainty over its funding.
Ward, however, said it was now fully funded after the Department for Transport confirmed its backing.
It is expected to cost £43.7m, with the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) and Nottinghamshire County Council also contributing.
As part of the works, Kirk Hill and East Bridgford Road will close for a year, and motorists have been warned to allow extra time for journeys.
The county council said there would be different traffic management measures in place during different phases, such as two-way lights.
Council leader Mick Barton said the junction was a "real pinch point" on the county's road network.
"At peak times in the morning and evening, it's horrendous. There's big traffic jams in both ways," he said.
"It's wanted doing for years. There will be some upheaval for the next 12 or 14 months but it will be well worth it in the long run."
It was recently announced that a separate scheme to improve the A46 Newark Bypass could be scrapped by the government in order to pay for increased defence spending.
Ward said there was no risk of the same happening to the A614/A6097 scheme because it formed part of a "different pot of money".
She added, however, she was building a cross-party coalition to respond to the government consultation on the proposed A46 cancellation as a "united team East Midlands".
Targeted archaeology works are already under way at the Kirk Hill junction, with main works due to start in late August, while work on the Lowdham roundabout is scheduled to start in September.
Both sections are expected to be finished by autumn 2027.
Meanwhile, work on Ollerton Roundabout is due to start in November, with completion expected in autumn 2028.
The county council said it would provide updates on the scheme and any disruption via a WhatsApp channel and email bulletin.
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