A612 road
Encyclopedia
The A612 road is an A-class road in the United Kingdom running between Nottingham
and Averham
, on the A617 near Newark.
It starts in central Nottingham at a junction with the A60
. 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 the A6011
) at a triangular roundabout.
After leaving the roundabout the road is two-lane dual carriageway with a 40 mph (17.9 m/s) speed limit for approximately 1000 yards (914.4 m). A further roundabout with Trent Street by a call centre for Virgin Media
sees a change to 2 lane single carriageway, as it is for the remainder of its length, retaining the 40 mph (17.9 m/s) limit. After a further roundabout at Nottingham Racecourse, the limit changes to the national speed limit of 60 mph (26.8 m/s) until Colwick is reached, when it changes to 30 mph (13.4 m/s) to pass through a built up stretch.
Leaving Colwick
the road becomes the Colwick Loop Road, which bypasses Netherfield
, Carlton
and Gedling
. This section was also built national speed limit, but in May 2007 was reduced to 40 mph (17.9 m/s) 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 the A6211, but is unsigned at ground level.
Rejoining the former route at a signalled T-junction, we enter Burton Joyce
. Initially a 40 mph (17.9 m/s) limit, approaching the village centre the limit is reduced to 30 mph (13.4 m/s). 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. Bypassing Bulcote
, the road is then 60 mph (26.8 m/s) again as it opens out towards a roundabout junction with the A6097 at Lowdham
.
After leaving Lowdham the road is again open single carriageway with a 60 mph (26.8 m/s) limit. Gonalston
is bypassed, and then we pass through Thurgarton
, up a steep hill before the road becomes 60 mph (26.8 m/s) again. The road between Thurgarton and Southwell is relatively undulating and bendy.
Entering Southwell
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 to Southwell Minster
, the road turns right at a mini roundabout by the Saracen'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 time Southwell Racecourse
, before exiting Southwell past the former workhouse which is now a museum.
Heading east through Upton
, past a property owned by the British Horological Society, we meet the A617 near Averham
at a signalled T-junction, signalling the end of the route.
Plans have been drawn up by Nottinghamshire 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 the Southwell 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 at Lowdham
and Newark
to the newly dualled A46.
*In 2011 The 'Bus Plugs' we re opened to normal traffic. The traffic signals are still present but change when any vehicle approaches them.
Reports of bus plug controversy:
Nottingham
Nottingham is a city and unitary authority in the East Midlands of England. It is located in the ceremonial county of Nottinghamshire and represents one of eight members of the English Core Cities Group...
and Averham
Averham
Averham is a village and civil parish in the Newark and Sherwood district of Nottinghamshire, England. According to the 2001 census it had a population of 187. The village is just west of Newark-on-Trent.-Averham weir:...
, on the A617 near Newark.
It starts in central Nottingham at a junction with the A60
A60 road
The A60 is a road linking Loughborough in Leicestershire, England, with Doncaster in South Yorkshire, via Nottingham.It takes the following route:*Loughborough**Rempstone**Costock**Bunny**Ruddington*West Bridgford*Nottingham**Sherwood**Arnold...
. 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
B roads in Zone 6 of the Great Britain numbering scheme
B roads are numbered routes in Great Britain of lesser importance than A roads. See the article Great Britain road numbering scheme for the rationale behind the numbers allocated.-Zone 6 :-Zone 6 :...
). 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 the A6011
A roads in Zone 6 of the Great Britain numbering scheme
List of A roads in zone 6 in Great Britain starting east of the A6 and A7 roads and west of the A1 .-Single- and double-digit roads:-Triple-digit roads:-Four-digit roads :-Four-digit roads :...
) at a triangular roundabout.
After leaving the roundabout the road is two-lane dual carriageway with a 40 mph (17.9 m/s) speed limit for approximately 1000 yards (914.4 m). A further roundabout with Trent Street by a call centre for Virgin Media
Virgin Media
Virgin Media Inc. is a company which provides fixed and mobile telephone, television and broadband internet services to businesses and consumers in the United Kingdom...
sees a change to 2 lane single carriageway, as it is for the remainder of its length, retaining the 40 mph (17.9 m/s) limit. After a further roundabout at Nottingham Racecourse, the limit changes to the national speed limit of 60 mph (26.8 m/s) until Colwick is reached, when it changes to 30 mph (13.4 m/s) to pass through a built up stretch.
Leaving Colwick
Colwick
Colwick is a suburb in the east of Greater Nottingham in England. It forms part of the Nottinghamshire borough of Gedling, although Colwick Country Park is actually within the city boundary. It lies between the River Trent and the railway line, with nearby places being Netherfield , Bakersfield ,...
the road becomes the Colwick Loop Road, which bypasses Netherfield
Netherfield, Nottinghamshire
Netherfield is a small town three miles east of Nottingham, England. It lies just outside the city boundary in the Borough of Gedling. It is between Colwick and Carlton in the NG4 postcode area, and near the River Trent....
, Carlton
Carlton, Nottinghamshire
Carlton is a suburb to the east of the city of Nottingham in the borough of Gedling. It is close to Sneinton, Bakersfield, Mapperley, and St Anns. It is near the River Trent and has an NG4 postcode...
and Gedling
Gedling
Gedling is a local government district with borough status in Nottinghamshire, England. Its council is based in Arnold. It is part of the Greater Nottingham metropolitan area lying to the North and East of the City of Nottingham....
. This section was also built national speed limit, but in May 2007 was reduced to 40 mph (17.9 m/s) 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 the A6211, but is unsigned at ground level.
Rejoining the former route at a signalled T-junction, we enter Burton Joyce
Burton Joyce
Burton Joyce is a large village and civil parish in the Gedling district of Nottinghamshire, England. It has a population of 4,000 and acts mainly as a commuter village for Nottingham....
. Initially a 40 mph (17.9 m/s) limit, approaching the village centre the limit is reduced to 30 mph (13.4 m/s). 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. Bypassing Bulcote
Bulcote
Bulcote is a village and civil parish in the Newark and Sherwood district of Nottinghamshire, England. According to the 2001 census it had a population of 330. The village is on the fringe of the Greater Nottingham area, and is about 7 miles north-east of Nottingham city centre. Nearby places...
, the road is then 60 mph (26.8 m/s) again as it opens out towards a roundabout junction with the A6097 at Lowdham
Lowdham
Lowdham is a village in Nottinghamshire between Nottingham and Southwell.Lowdham is in the Newark and Sherwood district.The dual carriageway to the north and Doncaster cuts the village in two....
.
After leaving Lowdham the road is again open single carriageway with a 60 mph (26.8 m/s) limit. Gonalston
Gonalston
Gonalston is a small village in Nottinghamshire lyingjust to the north-east of Lowdham and almost upon the A612 trunk road that runs from Nottingham to Southwell. Gonalston comprises of arable and pasture land in about equal portions, interspersed with of wood and plantations...
is bypassed, and then we pass through Thurgarton
Thurgarton
Thurgarton is a small village in rural Nottinghamshire. The village is close to Southwell, and Newark on Trent, with a medium length commuting distance to Nottingham. It is served by Thurgarton railway station...
, up a steep hill before the road becomes 60 mph (26.8 m/s) again. The road between Thurgarton and Southwell is relatively undulating and bendy.
Entering Southwell
Southwell, Nottinghamshire
Southwell is a town in Nottinghamshire, England, best known as the site of Southwell Minster, the seat of the Church of England diocese that covers Nottinghamshire...
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 to Southwell Minster
Southwell Minster
Southwell Minster is a minster and cathedral, in Southwell, Nottinghamshire, England. It is six miles away from Newark-on-Trent and thirteen miles from Mansfield. It is the seat of the Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham and the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham.It is considered an outstanding...
, the road turns right at a mini roundabout by the Saracen's Head
Saracen's Head
The Saracen's Head is the name usually given to a group of late medieval buildings in Kings Norton, Birmingham. The buildings, together with the nearby Old Grammar School, won the BBC Restoration series in 2004...
public house and passes the north side of the Minster. A further sharp bend to the left allows us to pass another racecourse, this time Southwell Racecourse
Southwell Racecourse
Southwell Racecourse is a thoroughbred horse racing venue located near Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire, England. It is one of only five racecourses in the UK to have an all-weather track...
, before exiting Southwell past the former workhouse which is now a museum.
Heading east through Upton
Upton, Newark and Sherwood
Upton is a small village in Nottinghamshire, England, located east of Southwell, west of Newark and south of Hockerton; it lies on the A612 Nottingham-Newark road. The village sits on a bend in the main road, "on the summit of a hill which commands a fine view of the Trent Valley......
, past a property owned by the British Horological Society, we meet the A617 near Averham
Averham
Averham is a village and civil parish in the Newark and Sherwood district of Nottinghamshire, England. According to the 2001 census it had a population of 187. The village is just west of Newark-on-Trent.-Averham weir:...
at a signalled T-junction, signalling the end of the route.
Plans have been drawn up by Nottinghamshire 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 the Southwell Minster
Southwell Minster
Southwell Minster is a minster and cathedral, in Southwell, Nottinghamshire, England. It is six miles away from Newark-on-Trent and thirteen miles from Mansfield. It is the seat of the Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham and the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham.It is considered an outstanding...
.
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 at Lowdham
Lowdham
Lowdham is a village in Nottinghamshire between Nottingham and Southwell.Lowdham is in the Newark and Sherwood district.The dual carriageway to the north and Doncaster cuts the village in two....
and Newark
Newark-on-Trent
Newark-on-Trent is a market town in Nottinghamshire in the East Midlands region of England. It stands on the River Trent, the A1 , and the East Coast Main Line railway. The origins of the town are possibly Roman as it lies on an important Roman road, the Fosse Way...
to the newly dualled A46.
Former routes
- The 1922 designation of the A612 had the terminus on the A617 in Southwell, not Averham. The latter passed through FarnsfieldFarnsfieldFarnsfield is a village and civil parish in Nottinghamshire in Sherwood Forest. It is in the local government district of Newark and Sherwood....
, EdingleyEdingleyEdingley is a village in Nottinghamshire, England. According to the 2001 census it had a population of 390. It is located 3 miles north-west of Southwell.The parish church of St Giles is Norman, almost completely rebuilt in 1890....
and HalamHalam, NottinghamshireHalam is a village and civil parish in the Newark and Sherwood district of Nottinghamshire, England, with a population of 372 in 2001.It is located to the west of Southwell....
, before meeting the A612 in Southwell and continuing through Upton to Newark. - Through Nottingham, the A612 (until the Manvers Street bridge was opened in the early 1990s) passed through SneintonSneintonSneinton is a south-eastern suburb of Nottingham, England. The area is bounded by Carlton to the north, Colwick to the south, Meadow Lane to the southwest and Bakersfield to the east.-Description:...
, Carlton and Gedling, along what is now the B686. - In 2007, following the opening of the Gedling bypass, the bypassed section became A6211 then unclassified. The former route under the railway bridge, and a length of Stoke Lane, are closed to through traffic by using bus plugs. These are traffic signals permanently on a red light unless a bus is passing through it. The restriction has caused controversy amongst local residents especially in the Nottingham Evening PostNottingham Evening PostThe Nottingham Post is an English tabloid newspaper which serves Nottingham, Nottinghamshire and parts of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire....
.
*In 2011 The 'Bus Plugs' we re opened to normal traffic. The traffic signals are still present but change when any vehicle approaches them.
External links
Reports of bus plug controversy:
- http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=133965&command=displayContent&sourceNode=133948&contentPK=20089852&moduleName=InternalSearch&formname=sidebarsearch
- http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=133965&command=displayContent&sourceNode=133948&contentPK=20398928&moduleName=InternalSearch&formname=sidebarsearch
- http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=133965&command=displayContent&sourceNode=133948&contentPK=20089851&moduleName=InternalSearch&formname=sidebarsearch
- http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=133965&command=displayContent&sourceNode=133948&contentPK=19885073&moduleName=InternalSearch&formname=sidebarsearch