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Plans to improve five junctions along the A6097/A614 have moved up a gear following official approval from the Department for Transport (DfT).

Nottinghamshire County Council is leading the £41.8million scheme, which includes £24.3million from the DfT, to reduce congestion, make journeys quicker and support future developments along the route.

Funding for the scheme is currently also supported by £7.5million from the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

Plans for the major road network scheme include a series of junction improvements between East Bridgford and Ollerton, including at Ollerton roundabout where approaches will be widened to provide two entry lanes onto the roundabout which will significantly increase capacity as well as two toucan crossings.

Lowdham roundabout will also see the addition of a third lane on the A612 Nottingham Road boosting capacity, while a maintenance scheme and relining will take place at White Post roundabout. The Warren Hill junction will be simplified with an extended merge lane being constructed.

At the A6097 Bridgford Street/Kirk Hill junction, two ahead lanes will operate along the A6097 in both directions plus separately signalled right turn lanes to both East Bridgford and Newton villages.

The approval from the DfT marks a significant step forward for the scheme following the county council’s submission of a full business case in March 2024.

Previous milestones for the scheme include the granting of planning approval in September 2022 and the Secretary of State’s confirmation of the Compulsory Purchase Order in January 2024.

Councillor Mick Barton, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “This is excellent news for Nottinghamshire, and we are delighted that the scheme has now received approval from the Government.

“This approval marks a significant step forward for this county council led scheme, with the final element of the funding coming off the back of a comprehensive full business case submitted by ourselves to the DfT.

“There is no doubt that these improvements are long-awaited for the people of Nottinghamshire and whether it is motorists, residents or the local economy – there are benefits for all.

“Anyone who has travelled along this route at peak times will know why this scheme is so important and that is why it is vitally important that we can now progress with this scheme to reduce congestion but also improve road safety.

“The scheme will unlock significant economic development along the route, including housing, and we are proud to be delivering improvements for the benefit of Nottinghamshire families and communities.

“We look forward to working with partners to make this scheme a reality for the benefit of our communities.”

Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, said: “This project is a big win for our communities. I’m driving this investment because better transport means better lives. The £41.8 million investment we’re putting into the A614/A6097 corridor is a game changer for North Nottinghamshire. By tackling congestion at key pinch points in Edwinstowe, Lowdham, Ollerton, and Blidworth, we’re not only reducing journey delays and improving bus journeys, we’re also making it quicker and easier for people to get where they need to be.

“That means more time for families, better access to work and services, and a real boost to productivity and well-being. This funding will significantly improve the daily lives of local residents, whilst opening up the potential for new homes and drive economic growth in the area.

“We’re laying the foundations for cleaner, greener, and more accessible travel, whether you’re walking, wheeling, cycling, or taking the bus.

“This is just one example of how we’re using our devolved powers to deliver real change for the people across the East Midlands.”