Opinion: National Grid roadworks causing chaos and misery for residents

Coun Dave Shaw, Ashfield Council member for Hucknall West, has welcomed news National Grid roadworks – said to be causing chaos from the Annesley bypass through to the roundabout at Top Wighay Farm – have been reduced.

The work is connected to the new £22.8 million Nottinghamshire Council office.

A National Grid spokesman said: “This work is being carried out to strengthen our network in the area to meet future needs. We apologise for the inconvenience the roadworks are causing and would like to assure readers we are working as quickly as we safely can.”

Drivers contacted councillors after the works “caused gridlock”.

One resident, who declined to be named said, “What on earth is going on between Junction 27 and Hucknall? It’s just taken me 30 minutes because cones have been laid out blocking one lane. There is no work taking place but it is causing absolute chaos.”

Now, after Coun Shaw contacted council bosses, amendments have been made to the traffic management system.

In an email to Coun Shaw, highways bosses said, “National Grid has shortened the lane closure on the A611. However, the lane closure at the roundabout will be left as they have to filter traffic in before they get to the bypass, otherwise when they get onto the bypass, they will be left facing an oncoming lane closure at speed, as this is a high-speed road.

“They are due to complete the works by the end of next week.

“It is busy northbound around that location at the moment as there are problems on the M1 and people are trying to avoid being sat in traffic going northbound, so are using Annesley and Kirkby to divert.”

Coun Shaw said, “The works from Annesley to Hucknall have caused misery for residents.

“Residents understand National Grid needs to do their job but any work, especially in locations like this, needs to be swift. After we raised the issue, the roadworks have been stepped back, but are still causing significant issues. I have written to National Grid, pleading with them to complete work as soon as possible.”