WORK to improve Nottingham's ring road will cause traffic problems, residents fear.
But the main question on people's lips at an information event yesterday was whether it would be worth it.
The city council held its first event yesterday at Bluecoat Academy, in Aspley Lane.
It is at the roundabout where the academy is based where the initial work is set to take place.
Neville Nutt, 79, who lives nearby, is convinced the work will lead to a major improvement.
He said: "It will be great from what I can see. This is work which has been due for the last 20 years.
"I can see it will make traffic flow much better."
Rick Scanlon, 64, of Aspley, however is unsure.
He said: "All it seems to be doing is taking traffic around the city. We need it to be helping to take traffic into the city much easier.
"To me, the A610 is the road they should be concentrating on. That gets really clogged up."
The cost of the project is set to be £16.2 million.
The work on the ring road junction with Aspley Lane is due to start on Monday.
It will see the roundabout replaced by traffic signals, which the city council believes helps traffic flow quicker.
Meanwhile, the northbound carriageway from the Crown Island to Nuthall Road will be upped from two to three lanes, and improve pedestrian and cyclist crossing facilities will be installed.
The road is one of Nottingham's busiest and is currently used by 50,000 vehicles a day.
Matthew and Jacquie Foote are concerned about the impact on side roads during the work.
"It could cause chaos," said Mrs Foote, 38.
"I take my kids to school in Wilford down Robin's Wood Road as it's the only way.
"It is already really busy. You can already end up queuing for ten to 15 minutes. It will only get worse.
"We will have to see whether it will be worth it in the end."
Another resident was concerned how much difference it would make if more homes were built in the area.
He said: "It will be really busy. Can the road handle the extra traffic which could be created? I have my doubts."
The work will also include:
Significant improvements of key junctions with Hucknall Road and Crown Island (Wollaton Road).
Repairs to worn-out bits of road.
Upgrade of street lighting.
Councillor Jane Urquhart, city council portfolio holder for planning and transport, has described the work, which will take more than two years, as "positives news for commuters, businesses and public transport users".
Are you in favour of the works? E-mail newsdesk@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk
