Path diversions along River Witham to allow construction of bypass viaduct

A number of path diversions will be in place along the River Witham to allow for the construction of the bypass viaduct.

The Sustrans cycling route will remain open as usual with minor path diversions in place around the works.

A temporary 20m diversion path will open in mid-December ahead of a longer 200m diversion path opening ahead of Christmas. The paths will be built over 4-5 weeks starting from early November.

The 200m diversion path, which will remain in use for 18 months, will allow county council contractor Carillion to construct and operate a temporary bridge to the north side of the river. The team will then begin work on building the bypass’s Witham Valley Viaduct.

Cyclists and other path-users will have access, however, throughout construction of the diversion paths, they may be asked to briefly stop their journey to allow work vehicles an opportunity to cross.

Cyclists and others planning a journey are encouraged to visit the Sustrans website for updated information about diversions along the Riven Witham path and the rest of national cycle network route 1, which connects Dover and the Shetland Islands via the east coast of England and Scotland.

When complete, the bypass will start at a new roundabout on the A15 Sleaford Road and finish at the A158 Wragby Road, connecting with the existing northern relief road and becoming the next step towards creating a complete ring road around the city.

The 7.5km Lincoln Eastern Bypass project is part-funded by a £50 million Central Government capital grant and aims to improve Lincoln’s infrastructure, encourage growth, minimise traffic congestion and enhance the inter-city environment.

Councillor Richard Davies, executive member for highways, said: “Those that use the path along the River Witham will still be able to travel it as normal, but are asked to simply follow the signage and diversion path in place.

“These minor diversions will provide access for building a bridge that allows the bypass to cross four separate watercourses – the Canwick Fen Drain, Sincil Dyke, River Witham and North Delph – which is a huge feat.

“Other works being carrying out in this area will include connecting the current Sustrans cycle path to the Lincoln Eastern Bypass foot/cycle route, which will stretch for 7.5km.”