A major step forward has been taken towards improving one of Lincolnshire’s busiest junctions, a planning application for the A46 Nettleham Roundabout improvement scheme now submitted.
The proposed improvements would help reduce congestion and make journeys more reliable for people travelling between Lincoln, Nettleham and surrounding communities, while creating safer and more accessible facilities for people walking and cycling.
The plans include enlarging the existing roundabout, adding extra approach lanes and building a new pedestrian and cycle bridge. Together, the improvements are designed to improve traffic flow while creating a safer connection for communities north of Lincoln and those travelling into and around the city.
Cllr David East, executive member for highways at Lincolnshire County Council, said: "Submitting the planning application is an important milestone for this project and brings us a step closer to delivering improvements that could make a real difference to the communities and people who use this part of the network every day.
"Nettleham Roundabout is one of the busiest junctions in Lincolnshire, and congestion can have a significant impact on people's day-to-day journeys, particularly at peak times. These proposals are about making travel more reliable, reducing delays and helping to ease pressure on nearby local roads.
"But this project is about much more than improving journeys by car. The proposed new pedestrian and cycle bridge would provide a safer and more accessible connection between communities north of Lincoln and the city, including for families, schoolchildren and people using National Cycle Route 1.
"We want to make it easier and safer for people to choose to walk or cycle where they can, while also improving conditions for those who need to travel by car, public transport or commercial vehicle. That means a better connected and more accessible network for everyone."
Supporting communities and future growth
The project is intended to help the transport network cope with future demand, including expected traffic growth associated with wider development and the completion of the North Hykeham Relief Road.
The improvements would also support better connections between communities, employment sites and businesses across Central Lincolnshire.
Cllr East added: "Lincoln and the surrounding area are continuing to grow, and we need to make sure the infrastructure is in place to support that growth in a way that benefits local communities.
"These improvements would help support new homes and jobs, strengthen connections for local businesses and make journeys more dependable. Reducing congestion and unnecessary stop-start traffic could also help improve air quality and lower emissions.
"For local communities, the benefits could be felt in a number of ways – from more reliable everyday journeys and safer opportunities for active travel to better connections between villages and the city. This is about investing in infrastructure that supports Lincolnshire's communities and economy for the long term."
Next steps
The planning application will now be considered through the formal planning process.
A decision on the application is expected in early 2027.
Subject to planning approval and the completion of the necessary land and procurement processes, the current indicative timeline for the project is:
- Late 2026 / early 2027 – Land acquisition and contractor procurement
- Spring 2027 – Construction expected to begin
- Spring 2028 – Expected completion of the scheme
Please note that these timeframes are indicative and remain subject to change.
Benefits for local communities
If taken forward, the scheme is expected to deliver a range of benefits, including:
- More reliable journeys and reduced congestion around the A46 near Lincoln
- Less pressure on nearby local roads, helping to reduce unnecessary 'rat-running'
- A road network better prepared for future housing, employment and economic growth
- Improved connections between communities, jobs and services
- Better links for local businesses, freight and supply chains
- Safer and more accessible facilities for pedestrians and cyclists
- A new pedestrian and cycle bridge providing a safer connection between communities north of Lincoln and the city
- Improved conditions for people using National Cycle Route 1
- Greater opportunities for people to choose walking and cycling for everyday journeys
- Reduced standing traffic and stop-start journeys, helping to lower emissions and improve air quality
- Long-term benefits for public health by encouraging more active travel
The current projected cost range for the project is between £7.4 million and £12.1 million, with the most likely cost currently estimated at around £9.5 million. The final cost will become clearer as the project progresses and a contractor is appointed.
The scheme would be part-funded through the £20 million capital funding allocated to Lincolnshire County Council as part of the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority devolution deal in 2024, with the remaining funding coming from the county council's highways allocations from central government.
For more information about this project, visit: www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/nettlehamroundabout.