HUNDREDS of drivers turned in late for work yesterday after hitting gridlock across the centre of Derby.
The closure of a slip road on to St Alkmund's Way – part of Derby's inner ring road – led to drivers heading down St Mary's Bridge, Sowter Road, Full Street, Corporation Street and Morledge.
Those roads quickly became jammed, leading to surrounding routes clogging up as well.
Residents living in Chester Green were among the worst affected, as they use the closed slip road to access the A52 and Pride Park.
The slip road is set to remain closed for four weeks while works are carried out.
It means that there is likely to be further gridlock on the affected roads through to the middle of June.
Already, the traffic mayhem has led to fierce criticism of Derby City Council.
Brian Spencer, who headed to and from a market sale off Pentagon Island during the morning rush hour, said: "The traffic was just at a total standstill.
"The council should have worked it out differently. A child could have done better.
"I've seen lots of roadworks up and down the country but in Derby right now it is pathetic."
The 71-year-old added: "It really annoys me. You rarely see work being carried out. If they pulled their finger out they'd have the work completed in half the time."
Drivers also vented their fury on Twitter.
David M posted: "Really BAD planning by someone who knows nothing about traffic flow." Martcoles wrote: "The traffic in Derby is a joke! Every day it takes 25 mins to do four miles. Sort it out!"
GavinRHogsflesh described the congestion as "ridiculous".
Meanwhile, Trent Barton apologised to its customers for the delays.
The company wrote on Twitter: "We have the ring-road works and additional works at Mansfield Road. Traffic in and out of Derby is at a standstill. Sorry."
The head of highways and engineering for Derby City Council, David Bartram, said: "We aim to publicise road closures as far in advance as possible. However, congestion can sometimes be worse on the first day a closure is implemented.
"Every effort is made to minimise delays. For example, the project phases have been increased to enable more traffic to flow through the works, which in turn reduces congestion and delays."
Questioned as to why there was not better pre-warning of delays, Mr Bartram said: "Local businesses and media were informed of the closure. This phase of works was due to commence at the end of May.
"However the works have been progressing well, enabling us to begin this phase of work earlier.
"This is positive as we anticipate the works to finish earlier than programmed, by July, assuming there are no unforeseen issues.''
Drivers wishing to access the inner-ring road should do so by making their way via Sir Frank Whittle Road. The current signposted diversion route takes drivers from Mansfield Road, on to the A608 Mansfield Road, to Sir Frank Whittle Road and down to Pentagon Island and St Alkmund's Way.
