Improvements start on Derby 'accident hotspot' road after safety investigation

'Hugely welcomed' improvement works have begun on a busy Derby road which has been labelled an 'accident hotspot'. Derby City Council’s Oakwood councillors announced that changes are being made to Lime Lane, from Monday, November 25.

The road will be closed for two weeks. Roadworks include resurfacing and improvement works to the Lime Lane/Morley Road Junction to improve safety and traffic flow. Works include new lineage and “new signs with better reflective paint to improve illumination of the junction at night”.

Work is taking place after weekly complaints from motorists to councillors about problems with the road. This includes the dangers of the 60mph (national speed limit) road and that the road’s junction with Morley Road – near the Kings Corner pub is an “accident hotspot”.

Join us on WhatsApp to get the latest news straight to your phone

Councillors Matthew Eyre, Freya Trewhella and Jamie Mulhall said in a statement: “Over the last few years, we have held dozens of meetings, asked several questions, campaigned, surveyed and begged for Lime Lane to be improved. And it is finally taking place.

“Residents have told us in their hundreds that they wanted to see this vital carriageway updated and made safer, as the road has worn away and temporary repairs have crumbled. With a fully improved and resurfaced road, we hope that these concerns will become a thing of the past.

“Changes to the Lime Lane Morley Road junction are hugely welcomed, and we hope they will be enough to make residents feel safe. The improvements are of a smaller scale than many residents’ favour, but we, as your local team, are clear that if these improvements don’t work, we will be campaigning for the larger scale improvements necessary to make this junction safe.”

Read more - Therapy support service for vulnerable groups in Derby placed into liquidation

News of the works come after it was reported earlier this year Derby City Council was carrying out a long-term investigation into road safety at Lime Lane. It was claimed an investigation was needed due to the number of accidents and safety concern complaints made, as well as the potential for hundreds more homes to be built on surrounding land.

A spokesperson for Derby City Council said: “Roadworks on Lime Lane are scheduled to commence over the course of the next two weeks to improve the junction at Lime Lane/Morley Road. A buildout, new signs, and lining will improve the approaches to the junction.

"The project combines innovative recycling techniques and road safety measures and is aimed at extending the lifespan of the road asset whilst addressing road safety issues that have been raised by the community. It also reduces our carbon impact, a key reason for completing this technique. This environmentally friendly approach cuts down on lorry movements, minimises waste, conserves energy and reduces disruption for road users."

We send out the biggest stories in an email every day. Sign up for the main Derbyshire Live newsletter here.