History of the Ashbourne bypass
The first Ashbourne bypass was built in the mid-nineteenth century. The second came along in the 1990's. The third is long-awaited and much promised but alas, not expected any time soon.
Contents
The first bypass
The first bypass for Ashbourne is what is now known as Derby Road. It was built in the mid-nineteenth century, to provide an easier route for horses which were struggling up the very steep Old Hill. It seems unbelievable now that Old Hill was once the main road, carrying traffic in both directions. [awaiting map images]
The second bypass
The southern bypass for the A52 is what everyone means nowadays when they refer to "the bypass". It follows a broad sweep through a wooded valley alongside a brook and connects Mayfield Road to the top of Derby Road. At the same time a bypass was built for Clifton village on the A515. These works were completed in the 1990’s. [date?] [awaiting map images]
This bypass succeed in removing some of the east/west traffic from Ashbourne. But north/south traffic still trundles through, as does east/west traffic along the roads from Cromford and Belper.
Alas, whilst a north/south bypass was hotly debated, plans for this were not followed through [why not?].
The third bypass / relief road
Residents say that the volume of traffic, especially HGV traffic, passing through Ashbourne has significantly increased in the 21st century. There are many factors to blame, including:
- traffic joining the new A50, which was completed in 1999;
- 21st century infrastructure projects such as HS2 and crossrail, requiring stone from local quarries;
- congestion on the motorways causing drivers to seek alternative routes
- improved sat-navs
- raising the bridge over the Tissington Trail at Fenney Bentley, allowing larger lorries; and
- the general increase in the number and size of lorries on the UK roads.
The latest law passed in May 2023, allowing an extra 2.05 metres to the length of a lorry, may prove interesting if any such behemoths attempt to pass through Ashbourne. It seems doubtful that they would be able to safely negotiate the bends.
A north south bypass has been debated for decades, but concerted action to actually get one built took off around 2021, with Councillor Simon Spencer of Derbyshire County Council (DCC) taking the lead. As at the date of this blog, DCC is going through an internal process which they say should lead to an application for planning permission by the end of 2024 (delayed from 2023).
DCC refer to the project as a "relief road" - a bypass apparently is multi-lanes whereas a relief road is just a normal two-carriageway road.
Why is it needed?
Great question and the subject of a whole separate blog post.....
Likely problems
The route: The chosen route goes along the Dove valley, from the A52 / A515 near recycling centre, over the Tissington Trail just beyond the Mapleton Road car park, through fields and rejoins the A515 before Sandybrook lodges. This route is likely to prove controversial with nearby homes & businesses and also with the eco-lobby. It seems likely that planning appeals could go on for years.
Funding: Even if planning is granted, there is no guarantee of funding. Most new roads are justified by the housing, retail and industry that develops alongside. It seems unlikely that much development of this nature would be allowed in the Dove valley. Most development in Ashbourne is currently to the east, but an eastern route for the bypass was rejected by DCC (presumably on grounds of cost as it would be significantly longer).