Drivers, bus passengers and cyclists in Derby will benefit from safer and smoother journeys now that a £3 million junction improvement scheme, backed by the Mayor of the East Midlands, has been completed.
Work began in January to upgrade the junction of Merrill Way, Chellaston Road and Boulton Lane, a key route connecting communities, businesses and employment sites across Chellaston and the city.
The scheme has now delivered new cycle lanes, improved pedestrian crossings and extra traffic lanes to ease congestion and improve bus journey reliability, while supporting future development in the area.
East Midlands Combined County Authority provided £3 million in funding to Derby City Council for the scheme, alongside additional developer funding from Infinity Park Derby LLP.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “I came to Merrill Way back in January to see these works get started, and I’m so pleased that they’re now finished! They will make this busy part of Derby work better for everyone who uses it, whether they are driving, catching the bus, walking, or cycling.
“By easing congestion, improving active travel routes and supporting better access to places like Infinity Park, this will make Derby move more smoothly today while putting the right infrastructure in place for future jobs, homes and investment.”
The A514 Chellaston Road connects Chellaston and Shelton Lock with the city centre, Alvaston and Infinity Park Derby, making it an important route for the city.
The junction upgrades also form part of the planning conditions associated with the South Derby Growth Zone. With the work now complete, the scheme will help attract further investment, create jobs and boost the local economy.
This completed project is part of a wider plan to improve transport connections across the East Midlands, helping to make transport easier to use, cleaner, and better connected.
Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability, said: “This is a significant scheme for Chellaston and the wider city, with this junction the meeting point of routes to the city centre, Infinity Park Derby and Derby’s southern suburbs.
“Whenever we deliver these schemes, we want all road users to feel the benefits of an efficient, greener road network. That includes quicker bus journeys, safer crossings for cyclists and pedestrians, and fewer queues for cars.
“Our environment will feel the benefit too, as less stationary traffic means less time on the road, fewer emissions, and improved air quality.”
A spokesperson for C3 Construction said: “Whilst this was a challenging scheme due to the volume of traffic and large number of existing services within the area, through our close working relationship with all parties involved, particularly Derby City Council and Infinity Park Derby, we were able to complete the works efficiently with as little disruption to the public as possible.
“We are extremely proud to have been part of this scheme and look forward to working together on further schemes in the future.”