Residents, businesses and visitors are being reminded to plan ahead as significant road closures and travel disruption will be in place when the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men comes to Lincoln next week.
Lincoln will host the opening stage of Britain’s biggest professional cycle race on Wednesday 2 September, bringing some of the world’s best riders to the city and putting Lincolnshire in front of a national and international audience.
However, with the scale of the event requiring roads to be closed along the race route, people living, working and travelling in affected areas are being urged to check the closures in advance and allow extra time for their journeys.
A number of roads in and around uphill Lincoln will be closed at different times throughout the day, with some closures beginning as early as 4am and remaining in place until 6.30pm. Other roads on the route will be closed during the race itself, with further disruption expected as the event moves through the city.
Clearly signed diversion routes will be in place wherever possible, but motorists are being advised that journeys may take longer than usual and that access to some areas will be restricted while the race is taking place.
Cllr David East, executive member for highways, said: “The Tour of Britain is a fantastic opportunity for Lincolnshire, but we want people to be under no illusion that an event of this scale will bring disruption for those living and travelling along the route.
“There will be significant road closures throughout the day, particularly in uphill Lincoln and along sections of the race route, so we are asking everyone to check the arrangements now and plan ahead.
“If your normal journey takes you through one of the affected areas, please don't assume you'll be able to travel as usual. You may need to use an alternative route, allow extra time or make different arrangements altogether.
“We understand that road closures can be inconvenient, particularly for residents and businesses directly affected, and we appreciate people's patience while we safely host such a major event. Our teams will have clearly signed diversion routes in place wherever possible, but there will inevitably be delays and disruption.
“Our message is simple: please check before you travel, plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time.”
Closures begin from the evening before
The earliest closure will begin at 8pm on Tuesday 1 September, when Vere Street will close between Newport and No. 12 until 6.30pm the following day.
Further closures will then come into force from 4am on Wednesday 2 September, affecting roads including Bailgate, Castle Hill, Newport, Westgate, Michaelgate and Wordsworth Street.
Additional closures will follow throughout the day, including roads around the city centre and uphill Lincoln, before the race route moves out towards the A57 and the Burton Road, Long Leys Road and Yarborough Hill areas.
People travelling through or around Lincoln on the day are strongly encouraged to check the full closure list before setting out. Details of the confirmed closures, A57 and A1500 diversion routes, travel information, and the latest event updates are available on the council’s dedicated Tour of Britain information page at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/tourofbritain.
While the closures will cause temporary disruption, the event is expected to attract thousands of spectators and provide a major opportunity to showcase Lincoln and Lincolnshire.
Cllr David East added: “We're proud to be hosting such a prestigious sporting event, but the success of the day also depends on people understanding the impact it will have on the road network.
“The more people who check the arrangements and plan ahead, the easier it will be for everyone. So whether you're heading to work, making an appointment, running a business or simply travelling through the city, please take a few minutes now to look at the closures and consider how they may affect you.”