Major improvements to walking, cycling and road infrastructure between Spalding and Pinchbeck started today with construction of the project site compound.
The scheme, which is expected to take up to six months to complete (subject to weather), will create new and improved facilities for people walking, wheeling and cycling on Pinchbeck Road between Kings Road and Enterprise Way. It will also deliver significant upgrades to the road, traffic signals and street lighting along the route.
Cllr David East, executive member for highways at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “It's great to see work now underway on this important scheme, which will bring lasting benefits to people living, working and travelling between Spalding and Pinchbeck.
“The project is about giving people more choice in how they travel. By improving walking and cycling connections between the two communities, we're creating safer, more attractive routes that make it easier for people to leave the car at home for shorter journeys if they choose to.
“At the same time, we're investing in the wider highway infrastructure by resurfacing the road, upgrading traffic signals and improving street lighting. Taken together, these improvements will help make journeys safer, smoother and more reliable for everyone who uses this route.
“This is a major project that has taken months of planning and preparation, with around 5,700 tonnes of road-building materials set to be used throughout the works.”
Cllr Ingrid Sheard, county councillor for Spalding Elloe, said: “This is a really positive investment for both Spalding and Pinchbeck, and I'm delighted to see construction beginning.
“The new walking and cycling facilities will help better connect communities, schools, businesses and local services, while making it easier and safer for people to travel actively.
“As well as improving road safety, the scheme will support healthier lifestyles, encourage more sustainable travel and help create a more pleasant environment for residents and visitors alike.”
As part of the project, the following improvements will be delivered:
- Widening and resurfacing existing footways between Kings Road and Enterprise Way to create a combination of shared and segregated footway and cycleway facilities
- Resurfacing approximately 1.5 kilometres of carriageway along Pinchbeck Road
- Updating signage to support the new walking and cycling facilities
- Installing new tactile paving at the Woolram Wygate junction
- Refurbishing the traffic signals at the Pinchbeck Road and West Elloe Avenue junction
- Replacing older street lighting with new lanterns and repositioning columns where required
Traffic management and project delivery
To minimise disruption, the works are being carried out in a series of phases rather than across the entire route at once. Some phases will run concurrently, with footway and kerbing works taking place during the day and carriageway resurfacing undertaken overnight.
A combination of road closures, temporary traffic signals and one-way traffic management systems will be used throughout the project as required.
Cllr East added: “We know roadworks can be frustrating, which is why we've carefully planned this project to keep disruption to a minimum wherever possible.
“By delivering the scheme in phases, we're able to reduce the impact on residents, businesses and the wider road network while still making good progress on site.
“We'll continue working closely with local bus operators, utility companies and other partners throughout the project, and access to the hospital will be maintained at all times.”
The county council has worked closely with a number of organisations during the development of the scheme, including Cadent Gas, National Grid, Openreach and Network Rail, helping coordinate works and reduce the likelihood of future disruption.
For more information about the project and other major highways schemes, visit: www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/spaldingpinchbeckroute.