May 13, 2011 11.37 am This story is over 154 months old

Roads close while landmark is improved

Safety first: Newport Arch is being made safer for traffic to pass, but it means road closures for one day.

Newport Arch in uphill Lincoln will be closed to road traffic this weekend while maintenance work is done on the Roman arch.

The work is being carried out on the arch and its neighbouring property on Sunday, May 15, due to the harsh winter causing loose debris to fall.

Netting that was installed last year to stop debris falling onto the road will be refurbished, as well as a chimney.

The work is being carried out by specialist stonemason, Mick O’Connor.

The Newport and Church Lane junction, to the Chapel Lane/East Bight and Church Lane junction will be closed on May 15 6.30am to 4.30pm.

Corporate Property Manager Phil North said: “We’ve been assessing the condition of Newport Arch and structures that adjoin it, and consolidation work is now needed to make sure the stonework and a chimney next to it are safe.

“We can only do urgent work at the moment and to allow this, we need to close the road under the arch.

“We’ve chosen to do the work on a Sunday to minimise the disruption caused by the road closure.

“Further long term repairs are being agreed with English Heritage to put the stonework in good condition so that it can stand up to the weather for years to come.”

Source: City of Lincoln Council | Photo: Liz Smith