
The Department for Transport has confirmed its commitment to the scheme as part of its Plan for Change.
Cllr Michael Cheyne, executive member for highways, said: “Although we haven’t received formal confirmation yet, Government’s commitment to the North Hykeham Relief Road is very welcome news for the whole of Lincolnshire.
“The past year has been incredibly uncertain for the project team, so this news will be a relief for everyone involved in making this project a reality.”
The public inquiry for the project is currently underway until later this week, with a Full Business Case set to be submitted in early Autumn.
Construction of the new relief road is currently expected to start in late 2025 and to open by late 2028. The cost of the project is currently estimated to be between £180m and £208m.
When complete, the new relief road will unlock land for 4,500 homes and 7 hectares of employment space. It will also contribute £350 million in economic benefits for the county over the next sixty years.
Cllr Cheyne added: “Once built, the new relief road will form the final section of a complete ring road around Lincoln, making it much easier for people to get around the area.
“And, from a county-wide perspective, it will improve journey time reliability; help us meet the area's growth target; and better connect the A46 between the Midlands through to the Humber ports.”
The North Hykeham Relief Road project will see a new dual carriageway built, linking the A46 Pennells Roundabout to the newly constructed Lincoln Eastern Bypass, creating a complete ring road around the city.
As part of the project, new roundabouts would be built at South Hykeham Road, Brant Road and Grantham Road. A number of bridges would also be constructed, including at Station Road and over the River Witham.
For more information about this and other major highways projects, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/nhrr.