Roadworks on A151 to last three weeks longer than planned

Roadworks on the A151 in Holbeach are set to last three weeks longer than anticipated, now with a completion date of towards the end of September.

The works as part of the Peppermint Junction scheme, will be extended to allow necessary utility diversions to be completed and the final road surfacing to be laid.

Lincolnshire County Council has said that the works are now expected to be completed on Monday, September 25, subject to reasonable weather conditions.

The contractor will also be working additional hours over the coming weekends to finish the improvements on time.

Access to businesses and residences will be maintained throughout the works.

Following the extended closure, temporary two-way traffic signals will be in operation (when required) from Monday, September 25 to Friday, October 13, including weekends, while the contractor completes drainage and surfacing works.

The signed diversion route for the full closure will continue to be via the A151 to the A16 to the A17.

Sam Edwards, senior project leader, said: “An issue with the location and depth of electrical cables under the A151 means we cannot safely carry out construction works in this area without the risk of serious injury or severing power to the nearby area.

“As a result, the utility company will need to divert the cables so that we can complete the remainder of the construction works.

“Unfortunately, the utility company’s records didn’t identify the exact location of these cables and, therefore, provisions had not been made in the scope of the original closure period.”

Councillor Richard Davies, responsible for highways at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “By extending works on the A151 for an extra three weeks, we can ensure the safety of the workforce carrying out the improvements while also eliminating the risk of power loss in the area.

“In addition, we’ll also take the opportunity to lay the final layer of tarmac over a majority of the road rather than using a temporary surface and surface the majority of the footways along the A151.

“This will result in reducing the number of nights required for full road closures later in the year which will alleviate the traffic congestion this causes in advance of the Christmas period.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and ask for your continued patience as we carry out these necessary works ahead of the Peppermint Junction improvement scheme coming to an end early next year.”