By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter
New 20mph speed limits and other safety measures will be introduced on two busy routes in Nottingham to “reduce the risk of future accidents and deaths”.
The A609, Ilkeston Road and Wollaton Road, as well as the A6130, Gregory Boulevard, Radford Boulevard and Lenton Boulevard, have been identified as “high-risk” routes.
Improvements will include 20mph speed limits, new crossings, better road surfaces and more signs.
Nottingham City Council will pay for the safety schemes using £1.425 million in funding from the Department of Transport’s Safer Roads Fund.
In total, £47.5 million of Government funding is being invested across England to improve 27 of the country’s most dangerous roads, the council said.
Cllr Angela Kandola (Lab), the Portfolio Holder for Transport, said: “We’re pleased to win this funding from central Government to help us make these key routes in and out of the city safer for everyone, reducing the risk of future accidents and deaths, as well as creating two school safety zones with a lowered 20mph speed limit to further protect our children and young people.”
The A609 IlkestonI Road and Wollaton Road and the A6130 Gregory Boulevard, Radford Boulevard and Lenton Boulevard will be upgraded and improved after being identified as high-risk.
On the A6130, a proposed 20mph speed limit will be introduced outside Djanogly City Academy on Gregory Boulevard.
The proposals are subject to a consultation process which is due to start in the next few weeks, the council says.
A zebra crossing will also be installed on Gregory Boulevard alongside a central hatching to narrow the road.
On the A6130 Lenton Boulevard, between Church Street and Abbey Bridge roundabout, another school safety scheme will feature outside Edna G Olds Primary and Dunkirk Primary.
The consultation is planned for Spring or Summer 2024, with construction planned for 2025.
A new section of bus lane will also be installed on the inbound Ring Road, which will also offer cyclists a space away from traffic, and dedicated signalised pedestrian crossings will be introduced at the three arm Triumph Road junction.
The proposals were approved during a meeting of the Executive Board on Tuesday, November 21.
Cllr Linda Woodings (Lab) added: “I think we have targeted this funding at the right road because there is high footfall along here and insufficient road crossings, and so you do get people stepping out to dodge their way through the traffic.
“With there being a gradient on that road traffic can be coming down the hill quite fast, sometimes faster than people realise, so the funding is very welcome to improve the safety of that particular stretch of road.”
