Work started in April around High Street and Station Road in Kirton on a drainage scheme that will help prevent surface water flooding in this area.
Whilst work was originally due to take around 12 weeks, a combination of poor ground conditions, supply chain shortages and unexpected underground pipes and cables, all mean the project will unfortunately take longer than originally expected.
Matthew Harrison, Lincolnshire County Council’s flood and water manager, explains:
“Despite all the planning we do before a scheme like this – by the very nature of the works involved – when we dig down into the road we can still sometimes come across unknown issues.
"And here, we’ve unfortunately experienced a series of surprises; from unfavourable ground conditions to finding gas pipes, sewage and water pipes, and cables, that we weren’t expecting.
“All these things mean we’re going to be delayed laying the new, wider drainage pipe as the team now needs to work around the utility services we’ve found.
"On top of this, we’ve also been affected by delays getting materials due to shortages in the supply chain.
“Unfortunately, each of these issues has affected the length of time this scheme is going to take us.
"We’re absolutely committed to reducing the risk of surface water flooding here and protecting the homes and businesses in this area, so we just ask residents to bear with us for a few more weeks.”
The project is now expected to be complete by the end of August 2022.
Matthew Harrison continued:
“We’re working hard to keep the delay as short as possible. Not only have we started working on weekends wherever possible, but we’re continuing to look for ways to reduce the amount of time the road has to be closed.
“We understand the disruptive impact this work is having on the local community and businesses, so we will most definitely keep residents updated as the project continues.
“This scheme is essential to help protect this community from flooding. Thank you for bearing with us.”