Two more new sections of A453 Widening scheme set to open to traffic
Two further sections of the Highways Agency’s A453 Widening scheme are set to be opened overnight on Tuesday 2 and Wednesday 10 December when contractors switch traffic from the current road.
The first switch will see traffic moved to the newly constructed westbound carriageway between West Leake and Mill Hill roundabout, a section of around 4km, making it the longest section of the new road in use.
The second switch will put traffic on a one-kilometre section of the westbound carriageway between the canal bridge and railway bridge near the Parkway junction.
The changes are dependent on the weather
Highways Agency Assistant Project Manager Robin Jackson said:
Once the switches are completed about 80% of the newly constructed westbound carriageway in the rural section between the M1 and Mill Hill will be open to traffic. . That’s a significant milestone and we are delighted with the progress being made.
The new carriageway will operate as a two-way road rather than dual carriageway until the scheme is complete next spring.
On 2 December temporary traffic lights will in place overnight at West Leake to allow the traffic switch between the new and existing section of A453. On 10 December the A453 will be closed in both directions between M1 junction 24 and Parkway junction from 8.30pm to 5.30am. Traffic will be diverted from M1 junction 24 to junction 25 and along the A52 to its junction with the A453, or vice versa.
Road users are advised to allow extra time for their journeys during all closures, particularly if they have a flight to catch at East Midlands Airport.
The £150 million Highways Agency scheme to widen a seven-mile section of the A453 between M1 junction 24 in Leicestershire and the A52 in Nottinghamshire will unlock growth and boost the economy as well as reduce congestion and improve safety.
For regular updates on the A453 scheme, please register on the scheme’s webpage http://www.highways.gov.uk/roads/road-projects/A453-Widening-M1-Junction-24-to-A52-Nottingham or call the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000.
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000.
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Journalists should contact the Highways Agency press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.