Have your say on A61 south improvements in North Derbyshire

Residents and commuters are being asked for their views as part of a project to manage congestion and reduce emissions on the A61 Derby Road between Chesterfield and Clay Cross.

We are currently revising our Local Transport Plan, the document which sets priorities for investment in roads and transport across the county, and as a number of new housing and commercial developments are expected in the years ahead, this stretch of the A61 is likely to get much busier.

Our highways engineers have been carefully examining a range of options to help manage traffic growth and now want to hear from people who live near the route or use it for commuting, business, school runs, shopping and leisure.

A 10-minute survey has been launched to find out how people use the road, their views on potential options to improve it in the short, medium and long-term, as well as options for alternative ways to travel.

• short-term: measures to keep the road moving in the short-term such as the new traffic management control centre, giving the council much better ability to respond to problems and inform users, as well as other measures such as real-time passenger information for bus passengers
• medium-term: identifying preferred solutions to tackle some of the pinch points or challenges on or near the A61 such as electronic variable messaging signs, changes to the Storforth Lane junction and improving visibility
• long-term: investigations into what major engineering projects could potentially be needed and might be feasible, subject to funding from government, to reduce the congestion problem in the long-term, for example, some of the potential options might be a relief road around Clay Cross, a new railway station or a Grassmoor link road

The findings will shape preliminary design and appraisal work which will be shared with local communities via public consultation later this year before any work takes place.

Councillor Carolyn Renwick, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Environment, said:

“If you live on or near the A61 between Chesterfield and Clay Cross, you’ll already know it carries a lot of traffic. With new housing developments and business growth, more people will mean even more journeys.

“So now is the right time for us to look at how we manage congestion and reduce emissions while enabling people to travel and our economy to grow. We want you to have your say in that process right at the start.”

Lee Rowley, MP for North East Derbyshire, said:

“Lots of people have told me about the challenges they face traveling up and down the A61, and as it gets busier the risk is that it becomes a real burden on people’s daily lives. That’s why I’ve worked with the council to develop a plan for Derby Road, which involves a mix of short, medium and long-term ideas.

“If we’re going to make a real difference then we need people’s support. This is why we’re asking you for your views about what you’d like to see. If we build a strong enough case then I can go to Westminster and make the case for investment. So this really is your chance to shape the future.”

The survey will close on Sunday 16 October 2022.