Nottinghamshire County Council has issued an update on when the construction of a huge new road will be completed following a lengthy delay and increasing costs.
The idea for the 3.8km Gedling Access Road has been sitting on the back-burner for decades, but construction finally commenced in January of 2020.
It had initially been said the road would be completed by Autumn 2021, but delays due to the coronavirus pandemic as well as other logistical issues led to the date being pushed back until at least March 2022.
This was first revealed by Nottinghamshire Live at the end of October last year.
As a result the cost has risen steeply with additional £8.6m now required.
But is it still on track despite the Omicron troubles over the festive period?
Gary Wood, Head of Highways and Transport, told Nottinghamshire Live:"The Gedling Access Road is on track for completion in the Spring and we are looking forward to delivering all of the associated benefits of the scheme including reduced journey times, less congestion through Gedling village and the unlocking of further investment in the local area.
“We would like to remind motorists that a night time closure of Mapperley Plains from the junction of Gedling Road, Plains Road and Arnold Lane to Chartwell Grove will be in place from 25 January to 1 February between 8pm and 5am.
“Diversion routes are in place for motorists, HGVs and buses and we would like to thank local residents for their patience whilst we work towards completion of the scheme."
Responding to the delays and cost before Christmas councillor Neil Clarke, the transport and environment committee chairman on the county council, added: "Part of the additional funding is from the Government's Covid-support pot and part is from our own resources.
"It is down to delays due to the pandemic and costs of materials have gone up. But it is still happening. We're still delivering for the local people and will soon be able to show them the benefits."
It is expected the main GAR route will open in March 2022, with some of the joining link roads finished some months afterwards.
