Utility works and changes to the surrounding road network will help prepare for the new relief road, with temporary traffic lights and a planned closure for inbound traffic on Newark Road.
The North Hykeham Relief Road is being built to help ease traffic pressure across Greater Lincoln – but delivering its full benefits means doing more than constructing a new route.
Cllr David East, executive member for highways at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Once the new five-mile relief road is open, changes to the existing network will help encourage more traffic, including HGVs and commercial vehicles, to use the relief road rather than routes through the urban area.
“Achieving this will involve preparing junctions, coordinating utility infrastructure and making the connections needed to integrate the new road with the existing network.”
Further utility and infrastructure works are planned for late autumn and early winter, helping prepare for the future construction of new roundabouts and the changes needed to connect the relief road.
When complete, the NHRR will provide an alternative route between the A46 Pennells Roundabout and the A15 Sleaford Road. Alongside changes to the wider network, it aims to reduce pressure on existing roads, improve journey reliability and help people access homes, jobs and different travel options across Greater Lincoln.
Cllr East added: “The relief road is about more than building a new stretch of road – it’s about helping traffic move more effectively across Greater Lincoln.
“To achieve that, we need to make sure the new route connects properly with the existing network and that the surrounding roads and junctions work together. That includes essential utility works now, followed by changes to the network that will help more traffic, including HGVs and commercial vehicles, make use of the relief road.
“The long-term aim is to ease pressure on existing roads, improve journey reliability and help Greater Lincoln accommodate future growth.”
Overview of upcoming traffic management
The following traffic management is planned as part of the North Hykeham Relief Road scheme.
A607 Grantham Road
- When: Monday 16 November for up to one month
- Traffic management: Temporary 24/7 traffic lights
- Reason: Anglian Water utility diversion works needed to prepare for the future construction of the new roundabout
A46/A1434 Pennells Roundabout
- When: Monday 4 January 2027 for up to seven weeks
- Traffic management: A 24/7 inbound-only closure on Newark Road, towards Lincoln, near the A46/A1434 junction
- Reason: Utility diversion works needed to prepare for the future construction of the new roundabout
- What remains open: Outbound traffic leaving Lincoln will remain open
- Diversion: Inbound traffic will be diverted via the A46 northbound and the A57/Saxilby Road. Local signage will direct traffic travelling to North Hykeham and south Lincoln.
Cllr East said: “We recognise that temporary traffic restrictions can affect people’s journeys, particularly on busy routes such as Grantham Road and around Pennells Roundabout.
“That’s why our teams will be working as efficiently as possible to complete the works safely and fully reopen the routes as soon as possible.
“We’re aiming to have the signals off of Grantham Road by mid-December and have inbound traffic returning to Newark Road by late February 2027, subject to weather. In the meantime, we encourage people to check the diversion arrangements before travelling and allow extra time for their journeys.
“Thank you for your patience while this work is carried out.”
The five-mile North Hykeham Relief Road will link the A46 Pennells Roundabout with the A15 Sleaford Road, helping complete a ring road around Greater Lincoln. It is designed to ease congestion in and around North Hykeham and Lincoln, improve journey reliability and support future housing and employment growth.
The project is being delivered by Balfour Beatty, with £110 million allocated by the Department for Transport through its Large Local Majors programme. The remaining funding will come from Lincolnshire County Council and developer contributions.
For more information about the project and traffic management, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/nhrr.