National Highways’ plans to improve congestion at three bottlenecks on the A38 around Derby have got the green light after receiving development consent.

Contractor BAM still needs to get the go-ahead to start construction of the £250m, which involves major upgrades to roundabouts at Kingsway, Markeaton and Little Eaton. 

National Highways’ proposals were initially granted consent in January 2021.

Following a legal challenge and a High Court ruling that the decision be quashed, the application has undergone a thorough redetermination process leading to yesterday’s consent.   

National Highways Regional Delivery Director Anita Prashar said: “We are delighted with today’s announcement which means we have successfully achieved a major milestone on the project to improve the A38 round Derby for the thousands of people who use the route each day.  

“While we still need to get final approval to start construction, we will begin to remobilise and reprogramme the project, which could take a minimum of 12 months. “

There is now a six-week period in which parties can lodge an intention to legally challenge the decision.