Major project to improve safety on 'high-risk' Derby road starts

It is one of the city's busiest routes connecting Markeaton Island and the city centre

A major project to improve safety on one of Derby's busiest roads is now under way. Derby City Council works on Ashbourne Road, between Markeaton Island and Friar Gate, have started following the completion of a 12-week consultation.

One of the busiest commuter routes for drivers heading in and out of the city, the road has been described as "high-risk" and requiring improvement by the Road Safety Foundation. Work started on Thursday, October 10, and will be carried out between the hours of 9.30am and 3.30pm in order to minimise disruption.

The new improvements are set to include the introduction of collision reduction measures such as speed bumps, improvements to existing pedestrian crossings, upgrades to existing crossings on side roads leading to Ashbourne Road, and new infrastructure to reduce speed.

Last year, the council was given £475,000 from the Government's Road Safety Fund in order to improve the safety on a portion of Ashbourne Road. The first stage of the works, which are under way just off Ashbourne Road, is set to take two weeks to complete with temporary traffic lights now in force.

A council spokesperson said: "The current works around Colvile St and Shaw St involve the use of multiway signals, measures are being taken to minimise disruption to commuter traffic. This section of the work expected to take two weeks. "

While the works that started last week are expected to take two weeks, the works for the improvement of Ashbourne Road as a whole are expected to be completed in 2025.

Councillor Carmel Swan said: "We’re committed to creating a safer, greener transport network to Derby and Ashbourne Road is a key element of that. The improvements we’re carrying out on this busy commuter route will improve safety for countless road users and make it easier for people to choose greener alternatives."

The Safer Roads Fund was introduced to support road safety in England and has seen over £47.5 million of government funding dedicated to improving 27 of England's most dangerous roads.

Some of the other proposals discussed to improve road safety on Ashbourne Road included:

Between junctions of Markeaton Island and Chandos Pole Street – The existing signalised pedestrian crossing near Kniveton Close and Windmill Hill Lane is to be widened and refurbished.

Between junctions of Noel Street and Colville Street – Widening the pavement at the Noel Street junction to improve visibility. This would protect parking and provide an opportunity to create an additional parking space. Upgrading the existing signalised pedestrian crossing to a toucan crossing – allowing cyclists to use it. Install a speed hump on the road to slow traffic and enable safer cycling and pedestrian crossing.

Between junctions of Colville Street and Shaw Street (where the Co-op supermarket is located) – Reposition of existing bus shelter to maximise space on pavement for cyclists and pedestrians.

Between junctions of Shaw Street and Merchant Street – Pavement widening to provide shared use for cyclists and pedestrians. The existing pedestrian refuge in the centre of the road is to be removed and replaced by two new refuges. Central hatching lines (increasing the separation between travelling in different directions) are to be created to reduce traffic speeds and the potential for head-on accidents.

Improvements at Mill Street, Bridge Street and Agard Street – Install speed humps at Mill Street and Bridge Street to slow traffic and provide safer crossing and cycling points. Pavement widened at Agard Street to aid shared cycle and pedestrian use. The pedestrian crossing at Agard Street is to be widened and refurbished.

Friar Gate improvements – Speed humps at Vernon Street and Larges Street junctions. Improved signage and new lines to raise awareness of National Cycle Route 54/68. Installation of light segregation to give dedicated space for cyclists.