The four-month improvement project will see new approach lanes and traffic signals installed to help reduce travel times for those in and around Sleaford.
Works are expected to start during the week commencing 25 May, subject to suitable weather.
Cllr Richard Davies, Executive Member for Highways and Transport, said: "This project is aimed at reducing the congestion drivers often experience at the rugby club junction throughout the day, particularly during peak times.
"The traffic research we carried out showed that adding traffic signals and new approach lanes here, in addition to implementing a right-turn ban from A153 onto the A17 slip road, would significantly reduce delays and help keep people on the A153 and leaving the A17 moving."
As part of the work, drivers can expect a combination of lane closures, temporary traffic signals and night-time road closures on the A153 and the A17 rugby club junction slip road.
In addition, the following traffic management will be in place throughout the entire project:
- Closure of eastbound A17 'exit' slip lane with a diversion via the Kirkby la Thorpe exit and back onto the A17 and access the A153 and Sleaford via the westbound slip lane
- Right-turn ban off of the A153 onto the A17 with a diversion via the Parkway Roundabout and back along the A153
Cllr Davies added: "As with any major improvements, there will inevitably be some disruption during this project. However, we'll be doing our very best to keep this to a minimum.
"Once this and the Holdingham Roundabout improvement scheme are complete, people can expect reduced congestion, increased safety and improved journey times when travelling in and around Sleaford."
Pat Doody, Interim Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, said: "This initial phase of the Sleaford Growth Scheme is fundamental to enable the growth of Sleaford to be fully realised.
“There is pent up demand in Sleaford, highlighted by a number of existing companies within the LEP’s priority sectors,that need to expand but can’t because of the constrained land supply. The A17 is a main HGV route between the Midlands and the east coast ports, so this improvement will also assist the wider economy.
"The scheme will enable access to the Sleaford Moor Enterprise Park neighbouring this project; this is one of only three Strategic Employment Sites within North Kesteven, creating 476 new jobs and facilitating a further 770."
Cllr Richard Wright, Leader of North Kesteven District Council, said: "North Kesteven District Council bid for, and secured, £2 million in Single Growth Fund to bring forward these schemes primarily to facilitate and promote Sleaford’s economic growth potential whilst also easing existing capacity issues at these junctions.
"As lead authority in attracting that unprecedented contribution and having committed a further £250,000 of council funds within a funding partnership, the district council is placing great strategic importance in getting improved infrastructure in place in readiness for the delivery of housing and significant jobs growth.
"In addition to the safety and traffic flow improvements it will bring, we require improvements to the Rugby Club junction in particular to ensure the Sleaford Moor Enterprise Park can be fully developed and not be restricted by highway capacity constraints. This upgrade will be critical in enabling the SMEP to attract new businesses, facilitate expansions and fulfil its job creation potential, as well as supporting established businesses within Sleaford’s principal industrial area.
"Equally, we know full well the need for Holdingham Roundabout to be remodelled and improved, not only to enhance safety and community benefit but for economic advantage too, as it will enable the full potential of the Sleaford West Urban extension and its 1,400 houses, plus three hectares of employment land to be delivered without highway capacity restrictions. It will also allow easier access to the town and eases traffic flows on strategic routes to the coast, the city, east coast ports and into the Midlands.
"These junction improvements will ensure significant advancement of commercial development can be accelerated and brought forward more quickly than otherwise and I see that as a cause for great hope despite of the short-term disruption and delay.”
The £8.25m scheme is being funded by the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, North Kesteven District Council, Lincolnshire County Council and developer contributions.
For more information about this and other major highways projects, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/majorprojects.