Work starts to complete ring road

The latest stage of construction work to complete a major transport project in Derby has started.

The £36.2m inner ring road system - Connecting Derby - is nearing completion almost 50 years after it was first proposed.

The government-funded project aims to improve transport links in and around the city centre.

The next phase will involve the construction of a road between Bradshaw Way and Uttoxeter New Road.

A link road will also be built in the King Street area as well as a new car park on Abbey Street.

Major stage

Derby City Council said it would carry out continuous monitoring to assess routes and ensure disruption to motorists was kept to a minimum.

Councillor Lucy Care, cabinet member for planning and transportation, said: "This is a very exciting time for Derby and the Connecting Derby project. It is the culmination of many years' hard work by a lot of people.

"The project has certainly not been without its problems, but it's wonderful to see work finally starting on the ground for this major part of the vision to transform Derby's city centre transport network.

"I believe its completion will bring major benefits for everyone who travels in and around the city.

"The team is taking every effort to keep disruption to a minimum, but I ask all road users to be patient and flexible if needed."

It is hoped the project will be completed in 2010.