Work to improve A38 approved by government

A multi-million pound scheme to increase the capacity of the A38 in Derbyshire has been approved by the government.

The project will create flyovers and underpasses for Derby's current Little Eaton, Markeaton and Kingsway roundabouts.

Public consultation on how to improve the road started in 2001, but was repeatedly paused, leading to the plans being redesigned and then challenged in court by campaigners.

The Department for Transport said the work will serve 15,400 homes and 658,300 sq m of business land by 2031, "drive economic growth and make working people better off".

The government also announced other local road schemes across the East Midlands have also been supported, including the A46 Newark Bypass, the A511 Growth Corridor and North Hykeham Relief Road.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "Transport is the backbone of our economy, which is why we are giving them the record funding boost they need, putting taxpayer's money where it matters most and making everyday journeys easier."

Plans for flyovers on the A38 have proved divisive since the original idea was rejected in 1970 due to the potential visual impact on nearby park land.

A public consultation in 2003 backed revised plans but funding was not secured.

Smaller scale improvements were then carried out in 2014, but faced criticism and one suggested scheme was rejected by the High Court in 2021.

In 2023, campaign group Stop the A38 Expansion argued plans put forward in 2020 had been approved without an up-to-date economic assessment, but a High Court judge rejected the group's arguments in a decision published in August 2024.

Most recently in October 2024, there were fears the promised work could have been "axed entirely" after 1,100 homes were approved to be built in Mickleover.

Concerns were also raised about existing traffic and overcrowding issues on the A38, due to recent housing developments in South Derbyshire.

However, National Highways reviewed its position and said it was satisfied the proposals would not place a strain on its network or "pose a threat to safety".

The Department for Transport has not yet announced when the work could start.

Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.