Main works for the Ashbourne Reborn transformation programme are due to start late January 2025 and will continue throughout the year. As the works are due to take place over approximately a 12-month period, delivering the change will be disruptive in the short term and will require traffic management measures including partial and full road closures, temporary traffic lights and diversions. All partners are committed to reducing disruption as much as possible and to working closely with residents and businesses to minimise the impact. Once finished, the town will benefit for many years to come.
To make it easier to find the information you are looking for, we have grouped frequently asked questions into subject areas. If you can’t find the information you are looking for on this page, you can navigate back to the main Frequently Asked Questions page.
What traffic management and diversions will be in place while works for Ashbourne Reborn are carried out?
Full details of traffic management measures can be found in this traffic management article in the Latest News section of the Ashbourne Reborn web pages.
When will the diversions be in place?
The first phase of works is due to start from 27 January on the south section of Dig Street. During this time a short diversion will be in place along King Edward Street, Station Road and Church Street.
All works will shut down to allow the Royal Shrovetide football to go ahead as usual. The second phase of works will start from 10 March when St John Street will be closed to traffic and wider diversions will be in place.
View the detailed phasing plans on the Ashbourne Reborn web pages.
Who developed the traffic management plans and diversion routes?
The traffic management plans for Ashbourne Reborn were developed in conjunction with Derbyshire County Council as they are the highways authority. Signage, including road closures and diversion routes, is managed by the contractor as part of delivery of the main highways and public realm construction.
What can be done about the traffic backing up at busy times?
We are aware that traffic can back up through Ashbourne town centre during busy times, but it is important that visitors know that traffic is generally flowing normally outside of peak hours. Car parks are open as usual, and businesses are open and accessible.
We acknowledge that the road closures and associated re-routing of traffic have added delay to some journeys and Derbyshire County Council, as highways authority, is reviewing all options to see if further adjustments can be made, for example to the timing of signal controls, to aid flow on stretches of highway that seem to be most impacted by the works. In the meantime, there have been some adjustments to signage to try to ensure that messaging helps as many people as possible and avoids confusion for visitors.
Is the diversion signage clear enough?
The traffic management plans for Ashbourne Reborn were developed in conjunction with Derbyshire County Council as they are the highways authority. Signage, including road closures and diversion routes, is managed by the contractor as part of delivery of the main highways and public realm construction, and specialist contractors are engaged to advise on the content and placement to ensure it complies with all relevant regulations. Signage has been updated in response to early feedback and will be monitored on an ongoing basis. Drivers are also responsible for following official diversion signs, and for driving safely and legally.
What restrictions and diversions will apply to HGVs during the works?
The second phase of works will start from 10 March when St John Street will be closed to traffic. The traffic management plans released on 7 January included a 7.5 tonne weight restriction in Ashbourne town centre, with all HGVs over 7.5 tonnes diverted away from the town centre from 10 March. After listening to the concerns of stakeholders we have amended the plan. While northbound HGVs will still have to follow the published diversions, southbound HGVs can use Buxton Rd, St John Street and Park Road as usual. Northbound HGVs should follow 'HGV Diverted traffic' signs, using the A52, A523 and A53.
Why is the northbound ‘local traffic’ diversion so long?
When the County Council plan an official diversion, the diversion route has to be the same ‘grade’ road as the one that is closing, which explains the distance of the official diversion to the A515 via the B5035 and B5036. However, we appreciate that local people will usually find a shorter route than the official diversion.
The good news is that southbound traffic will be unaffected by the planned road closures in St John Street, Dig Street and Compton, travelling down Buxton Road as usual.
Northbound HGVs over 7.5 tonnes will be diverted away from the town centre during the transformation works.
Will people be able to get to local shops and car parks?
Ashbourne is still open for business! Residents and visitors are encouraged to use the town centre as you normally would. During the works, diversions will be clearly signposted and pedestrian access to businesses will be maintained.
To bring life back into the heart of the town, the Market Place will no longer be a car park. There is plenty of parking elsewhere and signage to alternative car parks and landmarks around town will be improved.
Although roadworks will be taking place along some of Ashbourne’s popular shopping streets, including Dig Street and St John Street, businesses will be open as usual. Please observe any safety barriers, but do continue to visit your favourite shops, cafes and bars.
What if I need to arrange a delivery or access to my property while traffic management measures are in place?
During temporary road closures, access to businesses will be maintained for pedestrians and deliveries. A Public Liaison Officer (PLO) has been appointed by the main contractor for the Highways and Public Realm element of Ashbourne Reborn to provide information about the works and assist with practical arrangements like deliveries. If you would like to get in touch, in the first instance please email
Where can I raise concerns about traffic management in relation to the scheme?
The traffic management plans for Ashbourne Reborn were developed in conjunction with Derbyshire County Council as they are the highways authority. Signage, including road closures and diversion routes, is managed by the contractor as part of delivery of the main highways and public realm construction, and specialist contractors are engaged to advise on the content and placement to ensure it complies with all relevant regulations. Signage has been updated in response to early feedback and will be monitored on an ongoing basis.
Drivers are also responsible for following official diversion signs and for driving safely and legally, and enforcement sits with the police. You can report incidents to Derbyshire Constabulary online here: Report a crime or using the police non emergency number (101).
Urgent issues
For urgent queries relating to the works, please email
Please note - social media channels are monitored periodically, so messages or posts may not be seen and may not receive a response.
Will Royal Shrovetide football be able to go ahead when the roads are closed to traffic?
Although works will begin before Ashbourne’s Royal Shrovetide football at the start of March, all works will be suspended to allow the game to go ahead uninterrupted and will carry on afterwards.
As the programme progresses, we will continue to share the latest information on the Ashbourne Reborn website and newsletters. To receive email updates, sign up for the newsletter at the District Council website (tick the box for Ashbourne Reborn). To follow on social media, find @AshbourneReborn on Facebook and Instagram.
