Ignore the tree huggers, get it built' say readers as fears grow over A38 project

An image of Markeaton island/A38 in Derby
-Credit: (Image: Derby Telegraph)


Derbyshire Live readers have added to the buzz of speculation that the Government could potentially pull the plug on numerous high-profile building and construction projects when it unveils its first major budget at the end of October. One such project that might be on the chopping block is the Government-funded £250 million A38 Derby upgrade.

This ambitious plan involves a four-year construction programme to create flyovers and underpasses at the current Little Eaton, Markeaton and Kingsway islands.

The project has already drained millions in costs, from purchasing properties - particularly along Queensway - to battling legal challenges from environmental groups against the plans, as well as consultation and design work. The final cost of the project remains uncertain.

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The last estimate, made back in 2019, proposed a figure between £200 million and £250 million - though it has been suggested that it would be much better to spend the money on improving public transport

However, considering the skyrocketing cost of raw materials since the Covid pandemic and UK tender price and building cost indices predicting a 3.2% rise in material prices over the next year alone, the final bill is likely to be significantly higher than initially anticipated. This could make the project a prime candidate for cuts as the Government grapples with its £22 billion funding shortfall.

Commenter SteveMillward says: “I was under the impression that these improvements were originally to ease the traffic congestion at peak hours. As much of the peak hours traffic is 'through traffic', how will abandoning the project and educating local people on using public transport help? As far as commercial traffic is concerned, every single one of those junctions is an added cost in fuel emissions and time, I find it laughable that the 'Nimbys' may have won on this on a technicality.”

DerbyJim replies: “Isn't this the point being made by those who are campaigning for better public transport? It currently doesn't work for most people as our homes and places of work or entertainment are 'car dependent' - If housing and transport were planned together then we could start undoing the damaging effects of low-density urban sprawl.”

Gerty74 thinks: “It would be a shame to see this cancelled, but if there are to be reductions in spending at least do the Kingsway portion of the scheme if not the rest. This would alleviate the issues from the retail park as actually a lot of the issues at Markeaton are due to queuing caused by Kingsway.”

Pipmeldrew agrees: “It doesn't need £billions spending to reduce congestion. Sorting the traffic lights at Kingsway, Markeaton and Little Eaton would solve many of the current problems."

Udar thinks: “Stop wasting money arguing and get the stuff built!” Janebe2010 replies: “Totally agree. Should have been done in the first place back in 1974. Sadly no foresight then or now.”

Mighty rams adds: “Get it built and let’s get the traffic flowing.”

TheDerbyLad agrees: “Yes! Next place on the A38 would be the link to the M1, they can get that redesigned next.The point is the three roundabouts here are a huge bottleneck on the A38. Moving the traffic will allow those in Derby to move more freely without the fear of getting stuck in traffic here and in the traffic of those trying to get round it. Ignore the tree huggers, just plant replacement trees. Get it built!”

Phantom123 writes: “I'm sure the Mayor and all the Derby and Derbyshire Labour MPs will lobby the Government to ensure this much needed, long awaited scheme gets the 'go ahead' or am I wishful thinking?”

Bobterry replies: “If it does get cancelled, at least people will know what value this Labour govt. places on Derby and its people. They'll call it re-wilding or some similar greenwashed excuse for spending the money elsewhere and leave Derby to its now well established decline. Another victory for middle class green warriors who don't know much about much, but are very concerned that no development takes place.”

Philipmiser points out: “I think the owners of the properties will be pretty much miffed having their houses taken off them and then all the hassle of finding another home, only to find out the council could likely scrap the project. What a total joke once again.”

How do you feel about the plans to scrap the project? Does Derby need new infrastructure? Have your say in our comments section.