Huge A38 Derby upgrades get go-ahead after years of uncertainty, says Government

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08-07-2025

A major scheme to improve the A38 in Derby has been given the go-ahead, the Government has said. The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced the huge project will transform the city's road network and quicken journey times.
Not all details have been announced yet but the National Highways project will upgrade three key islands on the A38, which is one of Derby's busiest roads. These are at the Kingsway, Markeaton and Little Eaton roundabouts, where flyovers and underpasses are expected to be created. Widening the road from four lanes to six lanes was also proposed as part of the works.
The announcement comes just weeks after the Government's Spending Review. After the review, the DfT said it would release an update on the scheme 'in due course'.
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But full details about the A38 scheme have not yet been provided, such as its cost, time frame and any starting dates. Initially it was reported that the works would cost at least £250 million but that was when it was first proposed several years ago. A DfT spokesperson said the cost could not be released yet 'as a fair procurement process needs to take place first'.
The Government said the A38 Derby Junction scheme 'will shave up to nine minutes off journeys, saving commuters, business and freight thousands of hours every week, boosting economic growth across the region". It adds it will support "Derby's plans for local housing and employment developments, including over 15,400 houses".
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.
'With over £92 billion investment, including the biggest ever boost for city regions in the North and Midlands, we're delivering the schemes that fast-track economic growth and jobs, connect communities, and will help us build 1.5 million new homes, as we deliver our Plan for Change.
'We're forging ahead with the vital new transport infrastructure Britain needs, and improving what we've already got, to deliver a new era of renewal and opportunity.'
But the project has been controversial and clouded in uncertainty for some time. It has been taken to the courts over the last few years over environmental and economic challenges.
Campaign group Stop the A38 Expansion says the project should not go ahead due its 'negative environmental impacts'. It has claimed the proposed works will increase carbon emissions, increase traffic and destroy thousands of trees at Markeaton Park.
The campaigners have repeatedly protested the plans and successfully stopped the scheme through its first legal challenge in 2021. The Government then re-approved the scheme in 2023 before it returned to the courts.
But it was reported earlier this year the legal challenge had concluded and the project was subject to a review of the Department for Transport's spending portfolio.
The campaign group has been approached for comment following the announcement made by the Government.
The group's last statement on June 28 said it was awaiting news of the A38 decision. It said: "Building new roads and expanding existing roads just results in more traffic, more pollution, damages the environment and worsens the climate crisis. Extra road capacity projects also do not tend to deliver as much return on investment and economic growth as public transport and active travel schemes do.
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"Additionally, other public services face cuts, and analysts now warn that tax rises may be needed in the autumn to fund infrastructure commitments. Public services are clearly more important than outdated, climate and nature-wrecking schemes like the A38. "
Jonathan Davies MP for Mid Derbyshire said he would be working 'to ensure mitigating steps are taken to manage the environmental impact of the scheme".
He said: "Many residents and businesses will welcome the expansion of the A38 due to its potential to reduce journey times, improve connectivity, and drive economic growth.
"Others will be rightly concerned about the loss of trees and the impact on Markeaton Park. I will be working with the project delivery teams as their work progresses to ensure mitigating steps are taken to manage the environmental impact - and to ensure this project supports better public transport, cycling and active travel."
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