DRIVERS on the A453 yesterday were once again facing delays – for no other reason than volume of traffic.
But for regular users of the notoriously-congested road, relief is on the way, with a £150 million scheme to widen it due to start tomorrow.
A seven-mile stretch of the A453 – between M1 junction 24 and the A52 Nottingham Ring Road – will be affected by the work, which is expected to be completed by summer 2015.
While most of the scheme is being paid for by the Government, Notts County Council has contributed £20 million.
The council believes widening the road will boost the economy as well as making the route safer.
Its leader, Councillor Kay Cutts, said: "I am delighted that construction work is at long last beginning on improving the A453.
"The improvements to this vital route will bring huge benefits to the Notts economy and East Midlands as a whole.
"News that work is now starting is fantastic news for everyone in Notts."
The Highways Agency will upgrade the 5.5-mile rural section of the A453 from M1 Junction 24 to the new Clifton Mill Hill Roundabout to a dual carriageway, with flyovers at junctions to keep traffic flowing.
The 1.5-mile urban section through Clifton will also be widened from a two-lane single carriageway to a four-lane single carriageway, with traffic lights at the existing Crusader Roundabout and new traffic-light controlled roundabout junctions at Green Lane and Farnborough Road.
Ian King, factory manager for Imperial Tobacco in Nottingham, said the move would benefit both staff and distribution drivers at the firm's Lenton factory.
He said: "We've been calling for this, along with the Chamber of Commerce, for years.
"It will help the lorries get to the M1 more quickly. We support it and we are right behind them. It will be worth the temporary disruption to get it done."
All the work is expected to be completed by summer 2015.
Roads Minister Stephen Hammond said it would bring significant economic benefits.
"Upgrading and widening the A453 demonstrates this government's commitment to improving our road network and helping to stimulate growth," he said.
"Extra capacity on the road will deliver significant economic benefits for both businesses and motorists, while helping to improve safety."
People can find out more about the A453 widening scheme from public information exhibitions.
The first will be held at Clifton Leisure Centre, in Southchurch Drive, Clifton, today, from 2pm to 8pm, and tomorrow, from 10am to 4pm.
The exhibition will then move to Kegworth Whitehouse Hotel, in Packington Hill, Kegworth on Sunday, from 10am to 4.30pm.
