New contraflow at Maid Marian Way triggers major disruption
Nottingham drivers and public-transport users were left facing significant delays after a new contraflow and temporary traffic layout were brought into force on Maid Marian Way and around the former Broad Marsh car park. The lane reductions and four-way temporary traffic lights, introduced to allow demolition work to begin, caused heavy congestion across the city on Monday and continue to affect journeys.
Bus operators reported disruption on numerous services. At peak times on Monday, delays reached up to 90 minutes, and some services were temporarily curtailed or diverted before normal routes were restored later in the day. Nottingham City Transport (NCT) said by 8pm that affected services had returned to their usual city-centre stops, but warned that the temporary arrangements remain in place and will continue to affect travel for weeks.
Services re-routed and stops changed
Operators have reshaped stopping patterns in response to the layout. Several routes no longer serve the Maid Marian Way stops heading towards the city centre; others use alternative stops nearby. Trent Barton has warned commuters that the revised traffic pattern "will cause delays" while demolition and construction activity continues.
"will cause delays"
Local officials and transport operators are asking passengers to check before travelling and allow extra time for journeys. Tram services are continuing to run during industrial action affecting other transport workers, but passengers should expect possible delays.
- Temporary traffic lights in operation at Maid Marian Way during demolition of the former NCP car park.
- Lane restrictions — running one lane each way on the northbound side — are contributing to peak-time congestion.
- Bus operators have altered stops and routes; passengers are advised to consult operator updates.
How to travel: key bus stop changes
Commuters travelling into the city should be aware of the following stop changes, which operators have put in place to manage passenger flows while the contraflow remains:
| Original route / stop | Temporary arrangement |
|---|---|
| South Notts 1, Navy 4, 48/A, Pathfinder 90 | Do not stop on Maid Marian Way towards the city |
| Orange 34/C and Red 45/B | Use Nottingham Lighting Centre instead of The Salutation |
| Turquoise 77/C, 78/A/B, 79/B | Use stop outside the Park Plaza Hotel |
| Red 45/B (additional) | Also uses Canal Street instead of the stop beneath the former car park |
Wider impact and advice for residents
The contraflow follows the start of demolition at the former Broad Marsh NCP site, with work expected to continue through the autumn. The city-wide knock-on effects were pronounced on the first day the layout was in operation, with some bus services temporarily pulled away from parts of the city centre to avoid becoming stuck in delays.
While there have been no reports of major fresh collisions or emergency motorway closures affecting Nottinghamshire’s M1, A1, A46 or A52 at the time of the early checks, the Maid Marian Way arrangements are likely to shape local journeys for weeks. Drivers and passengers should:
- Check the latest updates from NCT and trentbarton before travelling.
- Allow extra time for journeys into and across the city centre.
- Consider alternative routes or modes where possible, including adjusted tram services.
Local authorities and transport operators say they are monitoring traffic closely and will provide updates if arrangements change. For now, Nottingham residents should prepare for continued disruption as demolition and temporary traffic management works progress.
