The planned resurfacing of the A50 between Doveridge and Blythe Bridge has been postponed after local feedback over a 43-mile diversion route. National Highways is reviewing the diversion and will add signs to encourage drivers to stick to the official routes, discouraging them from using local village roads.
Overnight closures start 28 September
Surface works on the A50 will now begin on Monday 28 September, running until Friday 30 October. The work takes place overnight, between 8pm and 5am, on weeknights only.
Westbound closures on the Doveridge Bypass will run from 28 September to 20 October between the Ashbourne Interchange and the A518 Derby Road roundabout. Simultaneously, the westbound Uttoxeter Bypass will close from the A522 junction to the Tean Roundabout.
From 12 to 30 October, an eastbound closure will operate on the Doveridge Bypass between the A518 Derby Road roundabout and Ashbourne Interchange.
Keeping traffic off unsuitable routes
The original resurfacing schedule, due to start earlier in September, did not proceed as planned following concerns about the diversion plan. National Highways says the 43-mile diversion length posed a risk of drivers ignoring the signed route.
Drivers tend to rely on sat-nav systems, which may direct them through villages unsuitable for increased traffic. The new signage aims to prevent this, keeping displaced vehicles on the official diversion routes that accommodate the volume and types of traffic expected.
Balancing maintenance with local impact
The resurfacing work maintains the A50 to the standards required as National Highways assumes full operation of this key route. However, the diversion plan highlights how traffic management extends beyond the works area.
A diversion must not only connect points A and B but also consider its effect on local communities. When drivers choose alternative routes not designed for heavy traffic, it can cause disruption and safety concerns in villages.
Responding to feedback before work begins
National Highways reviewed the diversion routes and adjusted the schedule to address issues raised by local stakeholders. Additional signage will remind drivers to follow official routes, helping to contain traffic where roads are suitable.
This approach contrasts with simply proceeding with closures despite concerns. It shows that managing traffic during roadworks requires as much planning as the engineering works themselves.
For those travelling on the A50 during the closure periods, following the signed diversion remains the practical requirement to avoid disruption and support safety.
Implications for future schemes
The A50 diversion case is a reminder that road maintenance projects involve complex traffic management. The success of closures depends on how well displaced traffic is managed across the network as a whole.
Authorities and contractors working on UK road upgrades can learn from this example. Early feedback and proactive adjustments to traffic management minimise impacts on communities and maintain the flow of traffic on the national and local road networks.
