Motorists using a busy junction on the M1 will face many more months of disruption due to roadworks - despite a key piece of the work being completed at the weekend.
A section of the M1 between Junction 23A and Junction 24, was closed completely over the weekend to allow for the installation of a new bridge across the motorway, which will form part of the Kegworth Bypass.
On Friday night, the M1 was closed in both directions to allow the bridge, which weighs almost 1,200 tonnes, to be slotted in place. The motorway then reopened ahead of schedule on Sunday.
The bridge is a key part of infrastructure improvements being carried out in the area associated with the Segro Logistics Park East Midlands Gateway - a 700-acre "inland port" being constructed near to East Midlands Airport and adjacent to Junction 24.
The development, which will have its own rail freight terminal and eventually be home to a number of large logistics businesses, will create 7,000 jobs when it is at full capacity.
In order to cope with the increased traffic, a number of improvements are being made to the roads surrounding it, reports our sister title The Derby Telegraph.
The huge project is being delivered in phases and, since the start of 2017, work to improve roads around Junction 24 of the M1 has been taking place.
Although the installation of the new Kegworth Bypass bridge was a key moment in the overall project, the work around Junction 24 is set to continue, which means that roadworks will remain in place for the time being.
According to the project schedule, this work will continue until at least September of this year.
Separately, work is also continuing on the M1 itself to turn this particular section into a "smart" motorway. The work should be completed by this summer.
A smart motorway is where the hard shoulder is taken out and an extra lane is added to improve traffic flow. The lanes are then controlled by the use of overhead signs co-ordinated by highways staff in a control room.
But, according to Andrew Pilsworth, Segro's business unit director, the disruption caused to motorists by the infrastructure improvements should be worth it in the long run.
He said: "The successful installation of the bridge was the result of an extensive programme of planning and co-ordination with our partners, and we thank them for their ongoing collaboration and support.
"We would also like to thank all motorists who experienced delays to their journey over the weekend for their patience and understanding.
"The Segro Logistics Park East Midlands Gateway is a hugely important development, not just for the region's economy, but the UK on the whole.
"The bridge is a key part of the development and will bring great benefits to the local community and we’re looking forward to it opening to traffic later this year."
