Relief for Hucknall as planned Watnall Road closure restricted to overnight after backlash from users

The planned closure of Watnall Road in Hucknall which came into force at the weekend has been restricted to night times only.
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Nottinghamshire County Council originally said that the closure – between Watnall Road’s junctions with A611 Hucknall by-pass and Benneworth Close – to install a new toucan crossing, would be for two weeks from Sunday, January 23 to Sunday, February 6 and would be in force all the time.

However, this caused a backlash from many residents, notably commuters who use the busy junction every day, parents of pupils at nearby Holgate Primary School and workers at industrial units around the closure area.

Now, a spokesperson for Via East Midlands – who look after Nottinghamshire’s highways on behalf of the council – has confirmed that the closure period will now only be overnight each night from 7pm to 6am.

Watnall Road will now only be closed overnight for the next four weeks. Photo: GoogleWatnall Road will now only be closed overnight for the next four weeks. Photo: Google
Watnall Road will now only be closed overnight for the next four weeks. Photo: Google

However, as a result, the works period will now be for four weeks rather than two, meaning the works will now finish on February 20.

Confusingly, both the council’s website and Via’s interactive roadworks map are still showing the closure period as being just two weeks with the closure in force throughout that time.

Gary Wood, head of transport and highways at Nottinghamshire County Council said: “A new toucan crossing is being installed on Watnall Road, Hucknall to provide a safer crossing for pedestrians and cyclists.

“To allow the crossing to be built, overnight closures will be in place on Watnall Road between the A611 roundabout and Benneworth Road for up to six weeks until the works are complete.

“The decision to change the works to take place overnight is to minimise disruption to road users on Watnall Road.

"The road will close at 7pm and we will aim to reopen Watnall Road earlier than 6am whenever the works allow.

“In addition, no loud machinery will be operating on site after 11pm, ensuring that noise disturbances to local residents are kept to a minimum.

“Whilst we understand that some residents and road users may be frustrated that the duration of the project has increased, the changes to working times have been made to minimise impact to them and the completed crossing will provide much improved facilities for vulnerable road users.”