Night road closures due to urgent tree removal

Authorities have announced additional closures along a heavily trafficked route in Derbyshire to carry out urgent tree removal operations. The A5012 Via Gellia Road, stretching from Cromford to Newhaven, has numerous trees affected by ash dieback, posing potential hazards to drivers.

The road will be closed between Grangemill and Newhaven during the following hours: 22:00 to 05:00 on Sunday and Monday, and 19:00 to 06:00 from 15 to 19 December. A temporary 30mph speed limit is also being implemented on sections of the road immediately.

Recent storms have caused additional tree damage, and similar maintenance work was performed on another section of the route last month. Charlotte Hill, cabinet member for highways, transport, and potholes, expressed regret for any disruption to residents and local businesses.

"Although significant efforts have been made to reduce safety risks, further action is necessary," Hill stated. "We respond promptly to reports of fallen trees, but as a precaution, we are lowering speed limits to give drivers extra reaction time." She added that while the goal is to limit inconvenience, public safety remains the priority.

Author: Riley Thompson