Major works to reinforce the Yarborough Hill embankment in Lincoln started today, with the project expected to take up to three months to complete.
The scheme, taking place above Whittons Park, will stabilise the existing slope and address long-standing issues caused by inadequate drainage that has led to the retaining walls beginning to fail.
Cllr David East, executive member for highways, said: “These are essential works that will provide long-term stability for Yarborough Hill and help prevent more serious problems developing in the future.
“By strengthening the embankment and improving drainage, we’ll be fixing the carriageway dips, cracks and uneven footways that have developed over time, creating a much safer route for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
“Our engineers have carefully designed the scheme so the new embankment blends naturally into the surrounding landscape, while also planning the works in a way that keeps disruption to a minimum wherever possible.”
As part of the scheme, more than 10,000 tonnes of material will be used to reinforce the slope, alongside the installation of 275m of new drainage.
The existing concrete layby will also be removed and the footway rebuilt closer to the carriageway, creating a shallower and more stable embankment to reduce the risk of future ground movement.
Sam Edwards, head of highways infrastructure, said: “This scheme forms part of a wider programme of improvements we’re delivering across Lincoln this year, including our recently completed improvements to Bailgate and our upcoming traffic signal and road surface improvements to Tritton Road and University Roundabout.
“With the site compound already built, works are now underway to build the haul road from Long Leys Road, which will allow us to access the top of the park while keeping Yarborough Road open for a majority of the project.
“Over the coming weeks, we’ll remove the failing retaining walls, as well as the layby and footways, before rebuilding the slope in layers using new stone material. We’ll then install new drainage, street lighting, fencing, kerbs and footways ahead of resurfacing the road later in the programme.”
Sam added: “The embankment design has been heavily informed by geotechnical investigations carried out by Lincs Laboratory, whose analysis has played a key role in helping us develop the most effective long-term solution.”
Traffic management
The following traffic management measures will be in place throughout the project:
- Combination of narrowed lanes and temporary traffic signals on Yarborough Road as required throughout the works
- Closure of Public Right of Way 6 between Yarborough Road and Long Leys Road for the duration of the project
- Closure of the footway along the top of Whittons Park and the west-side footway of Yarborough Road throughout the project
- Temporary pedestrian crossing facilities will be provided to assist people crossing the road
- Overnight road closures between 8pm and 6am for up to two weeks in early August to allow resurfacing works to take place
Please note that access to Whittons Park from Yarborough Road will not be available during the works. However, the park and play equipment will remain accessible via Long Leys Road.
This project has been coordinated alongside the upcoming Tritton Road, Rope Walk and University Roundabout improvements to help minimise disruption across the wider Lincoln area – more details about these works will be shared in the coming weeks.
Cllr East added: “I’d like to thank residents and road users for their patience while these important works are carried out. Our teams will be doing everything they can to complete the project as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
For more information about the project, visit: https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/yarboroughembankment.