Wellow residents concerned that National Highways’ A1 resurfacing diversion along A616 will damage village
Residents of a village near the A1 have expressed concerns that a diversion through their village will cause more problems than have been solved.
As of Monday (January 6) the A1 is being closed overnight Monday to Friday, between 8pm and 6am, for several months as part of major resurfacing works.
The works, between the A17/A46 junction at Newark and the A57/A614 at Apleyhead, are being delivered in four phases, with phase 1 scheduled to take place from January 6 to February 10, and the final phase to take place from March 24 to May 23 — more than five months of closures.
Diversion routes will be in place, and the diversion during the initial phase one will see traffic diverted along the A614 and A616 — through the small village of Wellow.
Residents of the village have now spoken of their concerns of the impact of the increase in traffic, especially as the road has just been resurfaced, and there have been several recurring drainage issues on the A616 over the years.
Resident Carrie Young said: “We’re all fed up with it, there’s already been lots of big trucks coming through.
“We’re well aware that this needs to be done, and it [the diversion] has got to go somewhere.
“As residents we do understand — but you’ve got to find a diversion that’s fit for purpose, and this isn’t.
“I’ve said to them [Highways] that we’ve had endless drainage problems and I hope they won’t have to dig this road again.”
Carrie and the residents have been in touch with Sherwood MP Michelle Welsh, who said that she “shares the concerns” of residents regarding the diversion and has written to National Highways and Nottinghamshire County Council for a plan of action.
“While I fully understand the necessity of essential repairs by National Highways, it is imperative that diversionary routes are fit for purpose and safe for all road users,” Michelle said.
“The longstanding drainage issues on this narrow stretch of road have been a persistent problem, repeatedly reported to Nottinghamshire County Council over the past two years without a lasting resolution.
“Residents deserve better than temporary patchwork repairs and uncertainty over the safety and reliability of their local roads.
“I am calling on both National Highways and Nottinghamshire County Council to provide immediate clarity and reassurance on two key points: first, that the A616 diversion route is genuinely capable of handling the increased traffic volumes without exacerbating existing problems; and second, that a permanent solution to the drainage issues is prioritised and delivered without further delay.”
A highways manager from Nottinghamshire County Council said that after discussions with National Highways, said the duration of the works have been cut significantly to reduce some of the impact on residents and road users, and that National Highways has agreed to repair any damage caused as a result of the extra traffic.
"We understand and share some of the concerns about the impacts of diverted traffic from the A1 onto the A616 and wider network whilst resurfacing work takes place.
"A significant amount of discussions have taken place with National Highways to explore alternative options for the works to take place, however the decision was taken by National Highways to complete the work under overnight closures.
"Regular inspections of the A616 and wider diversion route will continue to take place throughout the works.”
A National Highways spokesperson said: “The A616 and A614 is the diversion route for closures on the A1 approved by the local authority.
“However we are aware of concerns and have been given approval for diversions on the A57 and A46 to be used as well.
“The work will be carried out over four phrases and we will regularly monitor all the diversions in use to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.
“We would like to thank residents and road users for their patience while we carry out this essential work and will provide updates as the work progresses.”
