A38 roundabout closed by bridge strike expected to reopen on Saturday

Watchorn Roundabout – at the junction with the A61 near Alfreton – was closed after the January 8 incident and has remained so during the last week.

National Highways say they are working “as quickly as possible” during the closure to assess the extent of the damage caused to the bridge. The organisation previously announced that the roundabout would be closed until 11.59pm on Saturday.

However a spokesperson told Derbyshire Times today (Thursday) that the organisation was still awaiting confirmation on when there could be a partial reopening. Businesses nearby to the roundabout have reported moderate disruption and “irritation” but nothing unmanageable.

A worker at W3Z Broadband on the southbound side of the road said it had not affected business “too badly”, adding: “We do have our office here but we just have to go up to the next junction. It’s more irritation than desolation.”

Staff at the Salt Pot Community Cafe in Swanwick said a large number of its customer base was elderly and accessed the business via bus services. Swanwick’s Pantry Bakery reported one late booking due to the closure but said January was “quiet anyway”.

In a previous statement about repairs to the A38 bridge, National Highways said: “Due to the nature of the damage, repairs to the bridge will take time to plan and deliver.

"However we are working hard to determine what measures are necessary to enable at least a partial re-opening of the road safely. We thank drivers for their patience while we carry out these investigations and will provide an update as soon as possible.”