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|---|---|
| Major junctions | |
| Southwest end | A60 nearNottingham 52°57′11″N1°08′19″W / 52.9531°N 1.1386°W /52.9531; -1.1386 (A612 road (southwestern end)) |
| Major intersections |  A6097 |
| Northeast end |  A617 nearNewark-on-Trent53°05′23″N0°52′34″W / 53.0897°N 0.8760°W /53.0897; -0.8760 (A612 road (northeastern end)) |
| Location | |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Constituent country | England |
| Road network | |
TheA612 road is an A-class road in the United Kingdom running betweenNottingham andAverham, on the A617 near Newark.
It starts in central Nottingham at a junction with theA60. Initially running east, as Pennyfoot Street, before a right turn sees it head southwards onto Manvers Street, a 4 lane single carriageway which was formerly a B road (B685). The road then crosses the main railway line out of Nottingham to the east over an early 1990s bridge (which again is 4 lane) before meeting Meadow Lane (here unclassified for approximately 100 metres, but further on theA6011) at a triangular roundabout.
After leaving the roundabout the road is two-lane dual carriageway with a 40 mph (64 km/h) speed limit for approximately 1,000 yards (910 m). A further roundabout with Trent Street by a call centre forVirgin Media sees a change to 2 lane single carriageway, as it is for the remainder of its length, retaining the 40 mph (64 km/h) limit. After a further roundabout at Nottingham Racecourse, the limit changes to the national speed limit of 60 mph (97 km/h) until Colwick is reached, when it changes to 30 mph (48 km/h) to pass through a built up stretch.
LeavingColwick the road becomes the Colwick Loop Road, which bypassesNetherfield,Carlton andGedling. This section was also built national speed limit, but in May 2007 was reduced to 40 mph (64 km/h) concurrent with the opening of the Gedling bypass, or as it was described in the plans, "Gedling Integrated Transport Scheme". The former section of Colwick Loop Road bypassed by the scheme is now mapped as theA6211, but is unsigned at ground level.
Rejoining the former route at a signalled T-junction, we enterBurton Joyce. Initially a 40 mph (64 km/h) limit, approaching the village centre the limit is reduced to 30 mph (48 km/h). Here, a 1930s bypass would previously have bypassed the bulk of the village but now almost bisects it, as development has spread across the road. BypassingBulcote, the road is then 60 mph (97 km/h) again as it opens out towards a roundabout junction with theA6097 atLowdham.
After leaving Lowdham the road is again open single carriageway with a 60 mph (97 km/h) limit.Gonalston is bypassed, and then we pass throughThurgarton, up a steep hill before the road becomes 60 mph (97 km/h) again. The road between Thurgarton and Southwell is relatively undulating and bendy.
EnteringSouthwell from the south-west, passing the leisure centre, we then meet the B6386 at a T-junction where you need to turn off the A612 to stay on the numbered route. After passing the West gate toSouthwell Minster, the road turns right at a mini roundabout by theSaracen's Head public house and passes the north side of the Minster. A further sharp bend to the left allows us to pass another racecourse, this timeSouthwell Racecourse, before exiting Southwell past the former workhouse which is now a museum.
Heading east throughUpton, past a property owned by theBritish Horological Society, we meet theA617 nearAverham at a signalled T-junction, signalling the end of the route.
Plans have been drawn up byNottinghamshire County Council to bypass Southwell. The plans have existed since before 1990. The County Council has acquired a number of parcels of land in the line of the plan. However, considerable opposition is building up to the plan. Southwell residents are arguing that the 'line' of the bypass will become a new edge of town, and allow considerable expansion of the urban edge of the town, into the sensitive southern aspect. This is the view which includes the historic town centre and views of theSouthwell Minster.
New traffic measures are suggested as an alternative to reduce through traffic, such as an HGV ban except for access, and downgrading this inappropriate route from Lowdham to Newark, to B road status. Through traffic should be directed atLowdham andNewark to the newly dualledA46.
The reopening of the bus plug still causes controversy with many Councillors and locals questioning the validity
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Reports of bus plug controversy:
A roads in Zone 6 of theGreat Britain road numbering scheme | ||
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53°01′16″N0°58′57″W / 53.0211°N 0.9824°W /53.0211; -0.9824 (A612 road)