Major road schemes in Lincoln and Sleaford to pick back up in May

Rugby club junction

Construction of two major road projects, which were placed on hold last month due to the coronavirus outbreak, will continue in May.

The projects affected are:

  • A46 Riseholme roundabout improvements – works to resume on w/c 4th May
  • A17/A153 Sleaford Rugby Club Junction – project to begin on w/c 25th May

Cllr Richard Davies, executive member for highways, said: "Despite the unprecedented situation we're currently in, we can now safely carry on with improving these two key junctions in Lincoln and Sleaford.

"Since suspending works at Riseholme Roundabout and postponing the start of our Sleaford Rugby Club junction improvement due to uncertainty caused around the coronavirus pandemic, the contractors for both schemes have now identified systems of work to keep crew members at a safe working distance from each other.

"This means they can safely carry out both projects while adhering to national guidance.

"With that said, work at Riseholme Roundabout will start again next week.

"Meanwhile, in Sleaford, the team will begin setting up at the site compound during the week of 11th May ahead of breaking ground two weeks later."

Traffic management details for the two schemes are as follows:

A46 Riseholme Roundabout

A combination of narrowed lanes, temporary traffic signals, speed reductions and road closures near the roundabout will be used throughout the works.

A17/A153 Sleaford Rugby Club Junction

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: "The Lincoln Eastern Bypass and second phase of the Grantham Southern Relief Road are also continuing to progress, and we're still expecting to start building the Spalding Western Relief Road and a new roundabout at the A46/Lincoln Road junction near Welton later this year.

"It's really all systems go in terms of our major road projects across the county.

"There will inevitably be some disruption during all of these improvements, but I want people to rest assured that we'll be doing everything we can to keep this to a minimum.

"It's also important to remember that once each of these schemes is built, there will be less congestion, increased safety and improved journey times throughout Lincolnshire for years to come – making any short-term disruption worth it in the end."

The A46 Riseholme roundabout improvement project will cost £4.2m and will be funded via £2.4m from Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership and £1.8m from an Integrated Transport Grant.

The £8.25m Sleaford Rugby Club junction improvement 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.

Published: 30th April 2020