Works to improve junction rumble on

The work to make improvements to the A38 at Little Eaton began in January, regualrly causing long tailbacks, and were expected to finish in May.

However , the Highways Agency said poor weather, the discovery of a rare species of crayfish and contractors damaging a water pipe have caused setbacks.

At the beginning of June Tory MP for Mid-Derbyshire Pauline Latham asked bosses at the Highways Agency to lay on more staff without success.

The works involve increasing the number of lanes and installing traffic signals to control the flow of traffic through the junction.

A spokesman for the Highways Agency said: “These works are being carried out in conjunction with the A38 Markeaton scheme and are being delivered one after another. To that extent the completion date is an estimate.”

These works are part of the national pinch point programme. The pinch point programme forms part of the UK Government’s growth initiative, outlined during the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement in November 2011.

When and where is this happening?

Work began on 6 January 2014 and will aim to be complete by July 2014.

The A38/A61 Little Eaton roundabout is located to the north of Derby.

Why is this happening and what will it cost?

The A38 through Derby suffers from heavy peak time traffic, particularly at Little Eaton and Markeaton Roundabouts. The congestion conflicts with numerous turning and crossing movements at these junctions.

The scheme will cost approximately £2.7 million.

Read more: http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/Extra-workers-A38-8216-cause-traffic-jams-8217/story-21212994-detail/story.html#ixzz36tUso35b

Read more at http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/Extra-workers-A38-8216-cause-traffic-jams-8217/story-21212994-detail/story.html#u3X5xhz1mJC5qGZR.99

The misery will continue for morning commuters as the roadworks at the Little Eaton Island will not be finished until the end of the month.

This morning the Highways Agency confirmed the work will not be finished in early July as previously stated.

The Highways Agency said poor weather, the discovery of a rare species of crayfish and contractors damaging a water pipe have caused the issues.

The crayfish have since been moved another part of the same brook well away from the ongoing roadworks at the roundabout.