A38 expansion full go-ahead

The A38 in Derby could be set for major improvements - but a fresh legal challenge maybe submitted. Image by Google Maps.

By Nigel Slater – Local Democracy Reporting Service

A massive transformation of Derby’s A38 has been fully given the go-ahead following years of controversy and legal disputes.

Its three main roundabouts at Kingsway, Markeaton and Little Eaton will be significantly upgraded to help ease traffic congestion on one of the city’s busiest roads.

Work will see the creation of flyovers, underpasses, and roads widened from four lanes (two on either side) to six (three on either side).

It is hoped that upgrading the three junctions will “better connect” major city businesses, reduce commuter delays, and “unlock capacity” for more than 43,000 new homes by 2040.

The Government on Thursday, March 26th announced the works will be going ahead as part of a national £27 billion road improvements programme.

This follows an announcement last year from the Department of Transport which stated an intention to spend millions on the proposed A38 upgrades.

Council leaders reacting to the full approval say the investment is a “vital boost for Derby’s economy”.

However, the proposals have been highly disputed for several years.

The Stop The A38 Expansion campaign group says the project is a “waste of money” and should not happen due to “negative environmental impacts”. There are serious concerns the works will increase carbon emissions, increase traffic and destroy thousands of trees at Markeaton Park.

The Government says its approved improvements across England are planned for the next five years – but no specific time frame has been given for when the A38 works will start or how long they will take.

Derby North MP Catherine Atkinson said last year any construction work would likely not start until 2028 at the earliest.

There is also no detail provided on the expansion’s exact cost. It was initially expected to cost £250 million – but that was several years ago and inflation has significantly risen since then.

It was reported last year that the cost was expected to soar to around the £600 million mark or possibly more.

Approvals have also been given for other projects across the East Midlands including improving the A46 bypass at Newark and several junctions of the A52 in Nottingham.

East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward said: “This is a significant and welcome investment in the East Midlands and one that speaks directly to our ambition to build a stronger, more connected region.

“For too long, communities and businesses have had to contend with infrastructure that simply hasn’t kept pace with demand and it holds them back.”

Councillor Carmel Swan, Derby City Council cabinet member for transport, said: “This very welcome investment is a major vote of confidence in our region and a vital boost for Derby’s economy.

“By upgrading key junctions around Derby, this funding will make journeys safer, smoother and more predictable for drivers, whilst keeping our local economy moving.”

Plans for a major upgrade on the A38 have been in the making for several years but have been controversial from the word go.

The Stop The A38 Expansion group has been campaigning against the proposals since 2019.

In 2021, the group successfully stopped the approved scheme through its first legal challenge. The Government issued a revised proposal in August 2023 and the group launched a second legal challenge on environmental and economic grounds.

Following court hearings, National Highways said the legal process had ended and was “continuing to plan and prepare for the next stages” of the scheme.

A statement made by the Stop the A38 Expansion group last year said: “Building new roads and expanding existing roads just results in more traffic, more pollution, damages the environment and worsens the climate crisis.

“Extra road capacity projects also do not tend to deliver as much return on investment and economic growth as public transport and active travel schemes do.”

The Stop The A38 Expansion group has been approached for comment on the latest announcement.