Drivers are set to face disruption along a busy Derbyshire A-road over the next two weeks – with closures in place and a new temporary speed limit on the route.

Derbyshire County Council have warned local residents, businesses and motorists about a number of safety measures affecting traffic on the A5012 Via Gellia over the coming weeks.

The following safety measures will be implemented:

December 7-8: Night-time road closure between Grangemill to Newhaven from 10.00pm until 5.00am to allow Network Rail to carry out tree removal works

A series of closures will be in place over the coming weeks.

placeholder image — A series of closures will be in place over the coming weeks.

December 15-19: Night-time road closure between Grangemill to Newhaven from 7.00pm until 6.00am for emergency tree removal works on DCC’s behalf.

A temporary 30mph speed limit is in place on affected areas along the route with immediate effect. Emergency procedures to close the road when high winds are forecast will be put in place along with diversions.

Councillor Charlotte Hill, DCC’s cabinet member for potholes, highways and transport, said: “We apologise for any inconvenience which may be caused while the Via Gellia is closed to allow emergency tree removal work to go ahead.

“This work is part of our continuing programme to deal with the safety risks posed by ash dieback disease – a fungal disease that affects ash trees, spreading through their branches until eventually the whole tree dies.

“We’ve done a lot of work to reduce the risk to safety, but unfortunately there is more to be done. We will always respond as quickly as possible to reports of fallen trees blocking the road, but as a precaution, we’re lowering the speed limit along the road to give motorists extra time to stop in the event that they find themselves approaching a tree which has fallen.

“We’re doing all we can to minimise disruption to road users but public safety must come first. Following recent storms which have caused diseased trees to topple into the road, we wanted to let the travelling public know that we will take action to close the road in high winds to prevent accidents. We’ll be ready to put diversions in place.”

Councillor Carol Wood, DCC’s cabinet member for net zero and environment, added: “The number of invasive tree pests and diseases in the UK is increasing and ash dieback – a fungal disease affecting ash trees – is one disease currently having a significant impact on the Derbyshire landscape.

“We would urge all landowners to carry out regular inspections of trees on their property, particularly ash trees, and consider the risks posed by the trees to surrounding people and property.

“A tree professional will be able to advise you of the options for removal where necessary and you can find more advice and support on our website.”