Plans are being finalised ahead of major improvements to the A46 Nettleham Roundabout, just outside of Lincoln.
The project is set to be reviewed and discussed by the county council’s Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee on Monday 8 June.
Sam Edwards, head of highways infrastructure, said: “The A46 Nettleham Road Roundabout is one of the busiest junctions in the county, with congestion becoming a growing issue here, particularly at peak times. With traffic expected to further increase once the North Hykeham Relief Road is complete, it’s important we act now to future-proof the network.
“This scheme is designed to transform how the junction works by improving traffic flows, time certainty and reliability for everyday journeys. In the end, these works would not only reduce delays and ‘rat-running’ on nearby local roads, but it would also create much safer facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.
“The preferred option we’re bringing forward to councillors in June includes a larger roundabout, additional approach lanes and a brand-new pedestrian and cycle bridge.
“The A46 Nettleham Roundabout improvement project is part of the Lincoln Transport Strategy, and the traffic modelling shows these improvements will continue to perform well into the future – supporting future infrastructure, planned housing, employment and economic growth across Central Lincolnshire.
“This new bridge we’d build would also create a safer transport connection between villages north of Lincoln and the city centre that would encourage more people to leave their car at home and walk or cycle instead. It would also provide safer and more reliable journeys for everyone travelling in the area, including those using National Cycle Route 1.”
Current status and challenges
Sam added: “As with any major project, there are challenges to manage, particularly around acquiring additional land needed to deliver the scheme. However, our discussions with landowners are progressing well and a huge amount of preparation work has already taken place behind the scenes.
“Detailed design work, public engagement and pre-planning discussions have all been completed, and we’ve already identified and planned for key risks to help keep the project moving forward.
“This is a major investment in Lincoln’s future. One that will help people move around more safely and reliably, support healthier travel choices, reduce pressure on the wider road network and create a better connected gateway into the city for years to come.”
Indicative timeline for the project
Below is the timeline the project team is currently working towards:
- Autumn 2026 – Planning application submission
- Late 2026 – Land acquisition process
- Late 2026 / Early 2027 – Contractor procurement
- Spring 2027 – Construction expected to begin
- Spring 2028 – Expected completion of the scheme
Please note that the timeframes above are subject to change.
Benefits to the local communities and Lincolnshire
If taken forward, the wider benefits of the project include:
- More reliable day-to-day journeys with reduced congestion on the A46 near LincolnA future-proofed road network capable of supporting long-term growth
- Supporting new homes, jobs and access to employment opportunities across Central Lincolnshire by providing better links between communities
- Benefitting local businesses in the agri-food sector
- Stronger economic growth and freight movement, including improved connectivity to the Humber ports and Lincolnshire coast, which supports local jobs, local supply chains and lower costs
- Cleaner air and lower emissions through reducing standing traffic and stop/start journeys
- Safer and more accessible travel options for pedestrians and cyclists, including families, schoolchildren and less confident cyclists/pedestrians – including those using National Cycle Route 1
- Better public health through encouraging active travel
- Increased safety between Nettleham and Lincoln for those not travelling by car
The current projected cost range for the project is between £7.4m and £12.1m, with the likely cost being near to £9.5 million. The scheme cost would be clearer closer to the time, once a contractor is appointed.
The project would be part-funded by the £20 million in capital funding allocated to the county council as part of the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority devolution deal in 2024. The remaining cost would be funded by the county council’s highways annual allocations from Central Government.
For more information about these and other major highways projects, visit: www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/nettlehamroundabout.