£9.7m junction job gets funding

A £9.7m scheme to improve two junctions on the A1 at Elkesley in Nottinghamshire has been given the green light following a review.

The junctions will be replaced, improving safety and journey time reliability. The improvements will also give better access to Elkesley by providing links to the local road network and through-traffic will be separated from local traffic.

Preparations for the public inquiry into the scheme, which was postponed last year ahead of the Government spending review, will resume immediately. The inquiry is likely to begin by the summer.

Work on the scheme could start next year and be finished in 2014, subject to the outcome of the inquiry. The Government will fund the scheme, less a £250,000 contribution from Nottinghamshire County Council.

Roads Minister Mike Penning said: "The Government is committed to delivering transport projects which improve journeys while also helping economic growth.

"That is why I am pleased to confirm that, after a thorough review of value for money, progress on these improvements can resume."

The preferred route for the Elkesley Junctions Improvement, announced in July 2008, includes a new two-level junction and local link roads northwest of the village, and partial closure of the Twyford Lane junction east of the village.

Draft Orders under the Highways Act were published in October 2009. By 22 January 2010, when consultation closed, ten objections and 18 expressions of support had been received.