Bus operator releases new Maid Marian Way statement as further changes made to junction
Bus company Nottingham City Transport says that Nottingham City Council has agreed to "changes to construction" to help alleviate the traffic chaos that has blighted Maid Marian Way during recent weeks. The opening of the new T-junction at the meeting of Derby Road, Maid Marian Way and Upper Parliament Street on October 6 led to severe disruption to public transport services.
In a new statement, issued on Wednesday, October 23, NCT says it has been 'working hard' with the council to 'keep buses moving'. It comes after they previously released a damning statement on the changes saying that traffic had actually 'worsened' since it opened up as a T-junction.
In the statement, NCT said: "Since the start of October, we’ve been working hard with partners at Nottingham City Council to keep buses moving whilst the scheme to improve the public realm at the Maid Marian Way / Upper Parliament Street junction takes place.
"Through productive discussions, changes to the construction and signal phasing have been made that are, for the most part, allowing buses to flow through the junction whilst minimising delays to our services.
"There may still be days and times when delays occur, and when services have to be diverted. We'll post these on our website and NCTX Buses app, which will soon include personalised travel notifications, and on our social media channels so that information is quickly available if you are waiting.
"If you do experience a delay, we do apologise – please treat our colleagues with respect when they get to you, as we’re doing what we can. We look forward to the completion of the scheme in 2025."
NCT had previously released damning statements on the roadworks. The first one on Wednesday, October 9, said that the traffic had "much worsened" since the latest phase of the job was completed, and that there was "no way to mitigate the effects" that the new junction was having on the bus network.
It added: "The changes made to the junction layout this week have disproportionately affected bus users. This is very disappointing as Nottingham boasts some of the highest bus use in the country."
Nottingham City Council later apologised for the delays road users were experiencing. The issue was just as problematic the next day as well, and once again on Sunday, October 13, when NCT once again blamed their delays on severe congestion caused by the roadworks.
Nottingham City Council has been approached for comment but did not provide any information as to what changes had been made.