THE redevelopment of Nottingham's ring road is expected to move a step closer next week when the city council commits £3.2 million to the project.
The Government has already given the £16.1 million scheme the go-ahead but the council is waiting for the final sign-off from the Department for Transport, which is contributing £12.8 million.
On Tuesday, the council's executive board is expected to back funding for the scheme. The final package then needs approval from the Government. Work could start as early as April and finish in the summer of 2015.
In 2009, the Government had approved plans for a £44 million scheme but this has been watered down after the coalition said costs must be cut.
Some of the main improvements planned include:
Widening the southbound carriageway of Middleton Boulevard from Crown Island, Wollaton, to the QMC.
Western Boulevard widened from two to three lanes in the clockwise direction in three sections: between Crown Island and Beechdale Road, between Beechdale Road and Aspley Lane, and between Aspley Lane to Nuthall Road
Conversion of Aspley Lane roundabout into a traffic light junction with pedestrian crossings.
Widening the roundabout at the Hucknall Road junction to provide extra lanes.
Road resurfacing in both directions of Western Boulevard between Wilkinson Street and Western Boulevard Spur.
There will also be numerous upgrades to pedestrian and cyclist crossings.
One of the main changes that will not now happen is the widening of Basford bridge.
The ring road is used by up to 48,000 vehicles a day and it is hoped the improvements will cut congestion at bottlenecks.
Councillor Graham Chapman, deputy leader of the council, said: "We've been waiting for this for years.
"It's one of a number of schemes, along with the A453, that will make an enormous difference to the flow of Nottingham. It's also investment – the building industry is on its knees at the moment."
Last October, Nottingham was named the third most congested city in the UK after research carried out by satnav company TomTom.
It claimed travelling in rush hour took 24 per cent longer on average than off-peak.
This was challenged by the council, which said the research did not include public transport. The council said no houses would be repossessed or demolished during the road works. However, some land needs to be acquired and the council is in talks with landlords.
A council spokesman said: "The contractor will take all reasonable precautions to minimise any disturbance to properties adjacent to any works.
"Pedestrian access to occupied premises fronting the ring road will be maintained at all times."
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