£3.75m for Spondon traffic improvements

Plans are in place for a £3.75m road improvements in Spondon near A52

By Nigel Slater – Local Democracy Reporting Service

Plans to improve road safety with a £3.75million upgrade at a notorious traffic hotspot in Derby are set to move forward.

Changes to “provide greater control of traffic flows” at the Spondon A52 Interchange and the roundabout near Asda supermarket are in the pipeline.

Drawings show plans to install new traffic lights and crossings around the roundabout, including the junctions to and from the A52, to encourage active travel – such as pedestrian and cycle routes.

The multi-million-pound project is part of a wider plan by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) to invest almost £80 million into road maintenance and repairs across the region over the coming financial year.

Part of that cash is proposed to be spent on reviewing the A52/Spondon Interchange and the layout of the big roundabout connecting Spondon and Brian Clough Way.

EMCCA papers published before an important meeting this week say the traffic hotspot “is currently considered a road safety problem due to its lack of compliance with modern standards, deters active travel users and is a barrier for some road users”.

It adds: “There is further opportunity to provide safe links between residential areas, areas of employment, the neighbourhood centre and retail store. This project will improve active travel facilities on the Nottingham Road corridor, removing a significant barrier and providing connectivity.”

Works could be completed by the end of 2027 or beginning of 2028, according to a draft timetable set in documents.

The project’s biggest aim is to “signalise the roundabout to provide greater control of traffic flows and how it operates” and “provide improved connectivity and accessibility by active travel modes (cycling and walking) at the roundabout”.

EMCCA also wants to improve road safety “by addressing areas with safety concerns and bringing the road up to current standards.”

The proposed funding is subject to agreement at the Transport Committee meeting, taking place this Thursday (January 15). The plans will then go before EMCCA’s board for final approval in March.

Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, said: “This proposed investment shows our commitment to keeping roads safe and reliable for everyone in the East Midlands. By acting now, we can tackle years of wear and tear, support local communities, and make journeys smoother for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. This decisive action shows we are ready to deliver in 2026.”

Councillor Carmel Swan, cabinet member for Transport at Derby City Council, added: “This proposed additional investment is excellent news for our region and our city. We’ve already benefitted from EMCCA funding for transport projects around the city and look forward to further investment so we can continue to deliver a Derby to be proud of.”