£13m bypass opens after being held up by collapse of contractor
A NEW £13.4 million road has finally opened in a South Derbyshire town, months after work stopped when its main contractor went into administration.
The one kilometre bypass route from the A514 close to Swadlincote Snowsports Centre through to Occupation Lane, in Woodville, is now complete.
Highways authority Derbyshire County Council led the project, which had to be halted weeks away from completion when its main contractor North Midland Construction went into administration.
But the county council stepped in as principal contractor to co-ordinate the completion of the much-needed single-carriageway road.
As well as opening up land in the area for development, the road will ease congestion on existing roads in the area, particularly Tollgate Island in Woodville where the A511 joins the A514, which is often rammed with traffic during rushhour and rarely not busy.
The £13.4 million project was funded jointly by the county council which contributed £7 million and D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, which gave £6.4 million from its Local Growth Fund.
Councillor Carolyn Renwick, the county council’s cabinet member for infrastructure and environment, said: “We’re delighted that the new Woodville to Swadlincote link road is now open.
“We know how long people have waited for this road and I’d like to thank residents and businesses for their patience following the unexpected delay and apologise for any disruption which may have been caused. “The road will be great for the local area and will allow for land redevelopment along the route, opening up opportunities for new housing and business development. “I’d like to thank everyone involved in making the project a success.” Preparations will be made to allow landscaping to take place after Christmas.
Will Morlidge, interim chief executive officer at D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership said: “Through our Local Growth Fund and other initiatives, D2N2 is delivering major projects to boost the regeneration of our regional economy.
“The opening of the new link road will be key to shaping the future of the Swadlincote and Woodville areas. It has the needs of the local community at its core, supporting the creation of homes and new jobs to improve the prospects for the whole area.”
The road will be great for the local area and will allow for land redevelopment along the route.
Councillor Carolyn Renwick