A proposed new M1 junction near Stanton is to be examined as Erewash Borough Council seeks a consultant to assess improvements to roads serving New Stanton Park.
The council opened a tender on Wednesday 21 October for an economic appraisal of access options, with work expected to begin on 7 December and be completed by 31 March 2027.
A potential Junction 25A at or around the Lows Lane underpass must be included in the assessment, according to the tender notice.
The move follows councillors’ agreement in July to set aside up to £80,000 from the Erewash Investment Fund to investigate better access to the former Stanton Ironworks site.
Calls for a new motorway connection have centred on traffic through Sandiacre, Stanton by Dale and Long Eaton, with the development of New Stanton Park bringing renewed attention to the pressure on surrounding roads.
The council wants the study to establish whether transport improvements could help attract investment and create jobs while easing that pressure on local communities.
The successful consultant will draw up options, assess a shortlist and recommend which, if any, should be taken forward for further business case and scheme development.
The tender makes clear that a new M1 junction must be assessed objectively alongside alternatives. It leaves open the possibility that another solution could be recommended.
The proposed December-to-March timetable covers the appraisal only. There is no construction timetable for Junction 25A, and the commissioning of the study does not mean the junction has been approved.
Under the July council decision, a report was to be brought back to Council Executive within nine months for further consideration.
Bids for the work close at noon on Thursday 19 November. The contract is advertised as “New Stanton Park Access Improvements: Economic Appraisal of Options”, under reference EBCT 474.