England’s M42 motorway

UK Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has opened the £169m newly widened A453 in the East Midlands.

Expected to improve journeys between Nottingham and the M1 and East Midlands Airport, the upgraded road has more than doubled its capacity, reducing congestion and providing a major boost to the economy.

The project was part of the government’s long-term economic plan to create a more reliable transport system, generate jobs and connect people with family and friends across the country.

The road has been named ‘Remembrance Way’ to honour the 453 UK service personnel killed in Afghanistan.

"This is an extremely important route, and its completion will not only bring safer and quicker journeys for everyone who uses it, but also boost the local, regional and national economy."

McLoughlin said: "As a resident of the East Midlands all my life, I know how important the £169m upgrade of the A453 is to the region. It will transform journeys and help the local economy grow."

Highways England chief executive Jim O’Sullivan said: "This is an extremely important route, and its completion will not only bring safer and quicker journeys for everyone who uses it, but also boost the local, regional and national economy.

"This upgrade has received tremendous support from all those who use the A453 regularly and the local community, and we and our contractors Laing O’Rourke thank them for their patience while the work has been taking place."

The main construction work to widen the seven-mile section of the road started in January 2013.

Upgrades include a 1.5-mile urban section through Clifton and a 5.5 mile-long rural section between the M1 Junction 24 and Mill Hill roundabout.

The project cost includes £20m provided by Nottinghamshire County Council.

Opened in June, the urban section of the road has three roundabouts and two sets of traffic lights to manage the flow of traffic through Clifton.

The project also included junctions at West Leake and Parkway to facilitate access to the power station and Parkway railway station park and ride facilities for the new NET 2 tram system.

In order to safely separate these users from traffic, a system of footpaths, cycle ways and bridleways were also built.

Image: England’s M42 motorway at dusk. Photo: courtesy of Highways England.