A comprehensive traffic management plan has been developed for the project, ensuring construction can be delivered safely while minimising disruption to road users and local communities.
Cllr David East, executive member for highways, said: “The traffic management approach for the North Hykeham Relief Road project has been designed to strike the right balance between keeping people moving and allowing this vital infrastructure project to be built safely and efficiently.
“Our expectations around traffic management for this scheme have been clear from the start and will be put into practice once the works are fully underway – with a strong on maintaining traffic flows and ensuring safe working conditions, all while ensuring long-term benefits for the area.”
Traffic management overview
Sam Edwards, head of highways infrastructure, said: “Our traffic management approach has been carefully designed to minimise disruption while keeping people moving safely – which remains our top priority.
“Our goal is to ensure traffic flows remain as efficient as possible during the project. For example, we will be phasing the construction of new roundabouts and maximising off-line work during daytime so there is minimal impact to the people who use nearby roads as part of their daily routines.”
A combination of traffic management methods will be used during the project, including temporary signals; lane restrictions; reduced speed limits; overnight road closures when needed; and clearly signed diversion routes.
Sam added: “We’ll also be making sure pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users can continue travelling through the area during the scheme. We’ll be doing this by offering alternative provisions where possible when our works affect normal access points. We’ll also be setting up temporary bus stops as and when needed.”
Building the new roundabouts and structures
Below is an overview of how traffic near the five main roundabouts, as well as Station Road, will be managed.
Specific dates and details for any road closures will be shared closer to the time. At the moment, no road closures are expected to be in place before 2027.
A46 Pennells Roundabout
- Phasing
- Daytime working for earthworks and off-line construction.
- Night-time lane closures for removal of existing splitter islands.
- Narrowed lanes to maintain traffic flows and create working areas for widening.
- Lane closures for traffic signal installation and finishing works.
- Sequential closures and traffic switches to new alignments.
- Splitter islands built in phases to maintain traffic flows.
- Full night-time closures for final surfacing.
- Diversion Routes
- Strategic diversion route via A15 and A17.
South Hykeham Roundabout
- Phasing
- Off-line construction of west and east sides after the earthworks.
- Utility diversions scheduled before and during works.
- Tie-ins and traffic switches managed with night closures and temporary lights.
- Pedestrian crossing and signals to be installed after main alignment is open.
- Splitter islands to be built in phases to maintain traffic flows.
- Full night-time closures for final surfacing and road markings.
- Diversion Routes
- Via Aubourn using the A46, Newark Road, and Boundary Lane.
Brant Road Roundabout
- Phasing
- Earthworks and off-line roundabout construction to minimise disruption to the local road network.
- Tie-ins to Brant Road and Somerton Gate Lane managed with night-time closures.
- Existing road will be removed and the area landscaped after traffic is moved to the new alignment.
- Diversion Routes
- Via Station Road, A607, and Harmston.
Station Road Overbridge
- Phasing
- The new structure will be built off-line without an impact on those using the existing Station Road.
- Overnight closures of Station Road will be required while building tie-ins and switching traffic from the existing alignment onto the new structure (access will be maintained).
- Diversion Routes
- Via Brant Road, A607, and Harmston.
Grantham Road Roundabout
- Phasing
- Off-line earthworks and construction of roundabout and NMU (Non-Motorised User) bridge.
- Utility diversions scheduled before and during works.
- Tie-ins and traffic switches managed with night-time closures and temporary lights.
- Splitter islands to be built in phases to maintain traffic flows.
- Full night-time closures for final surfacing and road markings.
- Pedestrian crossings and NMU bridge integrated into phasing.
- Diversion Routes
- Via Bracebridge Heath, A15, and Tower Lane.
A15 Sleaford Road Roundabout
- Phasing
- Removal and construction of splitter islands managed with night-time closures and temporary traffic signals.
- Lane closures and narrowed lanes to be used during online works and tie-ins to the new relief road and Lincoln Eastern Bypass.
- Utility diversions scheduled in advance of or during works.
- Final surfacing to be completed at night under a full road closure, whilst maintaining emergency access.
- Diversion Routes
- Via the A46 and A17.
The project is being funded using £110 million from the Department for Transport's 'Large Local Majors' programme. The remaining budget will be funded by Lincolnshire County Council and developer contributions, which the council will forward fund.
For more information about the North Hykeham Relief Road, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/nhrr.