Derbyshire drivers, brace yourselves for a challenging commute! The A38 southbound near Kingsway Island is currently a no-go zone, causing significant delays and frustration for travelers. But here's the catch: the northbound carriageway has reopened, leaving drivers with a puzzling one-way traffic flow.
The situation unfolded on the evening of February 4th, 2026, when the A38 was abruptly closed in both directions between Kingsway and the A516 slip road at Littleover. Google Maps painted a picture of chaos, with heavy delays painting the west side of the city red.
As the hours ticked by, the northbound side reopened, but the southbound lane remained stubbornly shut. Derbyshire Police, leading the operation, advised motorists to steer clear of the area, with a police-led incident and the East Midlands Ambulance Service on the scene.
A spokesperson from National Highways advised, "The A38 in Derbyshire is closed southbound, diverting traffic through local routes. Plan ahead and consider alternative routes or delaying your journey." Inrix, the traffic monitoring service, echoed this, confirming the initial full road closure due to a police incident.
But here's where it gets controversial: while the northbound lane is now accessible, the southbound lane remains off-limits. This asymmetrical closure has left drivers scratching their heads and traffic backing up towards Uttoxeter New Road. The area around Royal Derby Hospital is particularly congested, affecting not just motorists but also bus services like the X38 and route 20.
Arriva, the bus operator, apologized for the delays, stating, "The A38 closure near Derby hospital will cause disruptions. We're working to regulate our services, but please bear with us."
This road closure is a stark reminder of the unexpected challenges commuters can face. What's your take on this situation? Do you think the authorities handled it effectively, or could there have been a better approach to managing the traffic flow? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, especially if you were caught up in this travel conundrum!
