Work completes on multi-million-pound junction scheme

Derby City Council has announced that work has been completed on a multi-million-pound new road junction in the city, which aims to deliver smoother journeys as well as unlock future investment and growth opportunities.

The junction of Merrill Way, Chellaston Road and Boulton Lane has been undergoing improvements since January.

Eight months on from the start of works, drivers, bus passengers and cyclists are now benefitting from improved traffic flow in all directions.

As part of the upgrades, new cycle lanes, improved facilities for pedestrians and extra traffic lanes have been added, making the junction easier to use for all road users.

This is an important section of Derby’s highway network, as the crossroads connect Chellaston and Shelton Lock with the city centre, Alvaston and Infinity Park Derby.

The works formed part of the planning conditions for the South Derby Growth Zone.

With these met, work can progress on the Growth Zone which will attract further investment, create jobs, and boost the local economy.

The council received £3 million of funding from the East Midlands Combined County Authority to carry out the work, with additional funding from Infinity Park Derby.

Councillor Carmel Swan, the city council’s 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.”

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.”