A453 GIVEN FINAL APPROVAL

A major scheme to widen the A453 between Clifton and the M1 at junction 24 has been given the go-ahead after completing its final planning stages. The government confirmed funding for the improvement to the A453, alongside five other major road schemes in the autumn. However, this was subject to completion of statutory planning and order making processes.
The scheme has now cleared this stage after government ministers accepted an independent inspector’s recommendation following a public inquiry that the scheme orders should be made. Work will now begin within weeks on preparatory work, with main engineering work set to begin next winter. The scheme
is expected to be completed in late 2014, early 2015. Work had originally not been due to begin until after 2015.
Secretary of state for transport, Mike Penning said: “The government is committed to delivering transport projects which improve journeys and help economic growth, so I am pleased to announce that this vital scheme has completed its final planning stages and can now proceed to construction.
“This scheme has very high levels of public support. Our analysis shows that every pound invested in this scheme will deliver more than £3 of benefits to the economy. The scheme has also attracted funding contributions totalling more than £20 million from Nottinghamshire County Council and Rushcliffe Borough Council.”
Leader of the County Council, Kay Cutts, added: “This is absolutely marvellous and is the news we’ve been waiting for for a long time. I am absolutely delighted that the secretary of state has given the go-ahead and that work will now begin on this vital piece of infrastructure which will bring huge benefits to the Nottinghamshire economy.
“The A453 is the weakest link in the regional road network and, in its current state, is severely limiting the economic recovery and development of the area. To the region as a whole it has been estimated that its improvement would bring a boost to the economy of £540m. Credit is also due to the local business community who have campaigned consistently for many years for the A453 to be improved. This is fantastic news for everyone in Nottinghamshire.”