November 29, 2011 3.51 pm This story is over 148 months old

Lincoln Eastern Bypass funding bid approved

Funding approved: Government gave the green light to funding for the development of the Eastern Bypass in Lincoln.
George Osborne delivering the Autumn Statement to Parliament | Photo: HM Treasury

Chancellor George Osbourne announced in his autumn statement the Lincoln Eastern Bypass is one of 35 infrastructure projects around the country to receive funding.

A ‘best and final’ bid for £50m towards the expected £98m cost of the bypass was submitted by the County Council to the Department for Transport in September.

Lincolnshire County Council is making a contribution of £14m and is acting as ‘guarantor’ to underwrite the £34m third party funded element.

The single-carriageway Lincoln Eastern Bypass was identified as the best solution to improve traffic flow in the city with wider economic benefits to the area.

It will take around two years to build and will start from the A158 Wragby Road in the north, crossing over the River Witham on a new bridge and continuing south to end at the A15 Sleaford Road, east of Bracebridge Heath and have junctions with Greetwell Road, B11990 Washingborough and B1188 to Branston.

Executive Member for Highways and Transportation, Councillor William Webb, said: “We have been working towards this for almost 20 years and it’s wonderful that we can start taking the final steps needed to make the bypass a reality.

“The announcement means that we have the additional £50m that is needed and that we have ‘conditional approval’ for the bypass.

“We look forward to seeing the full details, so we can start carrying out the additional work required to fulfil these conditions and understand the government’s funding timescale.

“It is possible that construction could start as soon as 2014,” Webb said.

Conservative Lincoln MP Karl McCartney said: “Today is a great day for the people of Lincoln and Lincolnshire.

“I am convinced that this much-needed new road will offer an improved experience of Lincoln for visitors, businesses and residents alike – and I firmly believe it will prove to be a catalyst for the economic well-being and growth of Lincoln and Lincolnshire.”