January 7, 2015 4.11 pm This story is over 110 months old

Canwick Road works traffic now moving more easily, says county council

Traffic management continues: Lincolnshire County Council has reported a significant reduction in traffic levels during the third day of Canwick Road works in Lincoln, however delays are still expected.
Five months of disruptive works began on Canwick Road on Monday, January 5. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Lincolnshire County Council has reported a significant reduction in traffic levels during the third day of Canwick Road works in Lincoln, however delays are still expected.

The £4.5 million project, which began on Monday, January 5, signalled the start of traffic disruption for many travelling to and from the south of Lincoln.

The Canwick Road works are causing traffic disruption in the area. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The Canwick Road works are causing traffic disruption in the area. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

After delays of more than an hour were reported, in addition to transport tail-backs into surrounding villages, the county council reviewed its traffic management system and implemented changes to traffic lights.

From the morning of Wednesday, January 7, traffic coming in to the city was given priority and the council say they are confident delays will be minimised in future.

The changes to traffic light systems have however rebounded traffic delays into other areas of the city such as Lindum Hill.

On day three of the works motorists reported more comfortable journeys in the morning but still experienced delays in the afternoon.

Delays as a result of the Canwick Road works on Wednesday, January 7. Photo: Google Maps

Delays as a result of the Canwick Road works on Wednesday, January 7. Photo: Google Maps

In the afternoon motorists reported further “traffic chaos” and public transport was also affected despite implementing revised timetables.

Motorist Sally Turk said: “Just attempted to go to Washingborough for a play date with my daughter. Took me 20 mins to get from The Peacock to the top of Lindum Hill. Turned around and came home. My friend who I was meeting was stuck the other side of it. Absolute chaos.”

Alan Aistrup, special projects manager at the County Council, said: “As this is the first week of the Canwick Road Improvements, and people have returned to work and school, we expected traffic levels to be high, and unfortunately some drivers have experienced delays during the first two days.

“We are constantly monitoring the impacts of the works on traffic throughout the day, and at different junctions, so that we can phase the lights accordingly. This morning was the third day of the works, and traffic has been moving much more easily.

“We are confident that the delays will be minimised on subsequent days. Unfortunately we can’t remove the delays completely and we still advise travellers to allow extra time for their journey or use an alternate route if possible.

“We will continue to assess the impacts of the Canwick Road works on a daily basis and review the traffic management arrangements if necessary.”