Gridlock for Chesterfield’s rush hour commuters

Rush hour traffic ground to a halt this morning along the A61 southbound exit slip road before Horns Bridge roundabout as the work takes place.

The slip road will be shut up to its junction with the A632 Hollis Lane where the permanent traffic lights will be replaced with temporary ones.

It will remain closed until Friday, December 11.

Motorists are being advised to leave extra time for journeys as delays are expected.

Access will be given to emergency vehicles but a signed diversion route will be in place for other motorists via the A61 bypass southbound − A617 Hasland bypass − A617 exit slip road on to Spital Lane − A632 Hady Hill.

Traffic travelling southbound into town on the A61 bypass can travel through to the already heavily-congested Horns Bridge roundabout and up on to Lordsmill Street.

The first section of the path to be built is about 100 metres long and will run from Hipper Street South, between Markham and Ravenside Retail Parks to Lordsmill Street where there will also be a new footbridge.

An additional footbridge over Hollis Lane will also be built − linking the final part of the route through to the train station.

The new path is being installed as part of the Chesterfield Cycle Network. This is a long-term project running until April next year to link shopping areas to the train and bus stations and main residential areas in the town.

Councillor Dean Collins, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for highways, transport and infrastructure, said: “We’re committed to making it easier and safer for people to bike around Derbyshire as it’s better for the environment, cheaper than running a car and it’s a great way to stay fit and healthy too.

“Although the diversion is only about a mile long, we are still advising motorists to allow extra time for journeys as there may be some delays.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and hope motorists will bear with us while this work takes place.”