January 8, 2019 3.37 pm This story is over 62 months old

£13.5m M181 Lincolnshire Lakes junction set for approval

Applicants say it will improve access to Scunthorpe
The M181 near Burringham, Scunthorpe. Picture: DS Pugh.

A new junction on the M181 near Scunthorpe as part of the £1.2 billion Lincolnshire Lakes project looks set to get the go-ahead.

The £13.5 million proposal would see the new junction built to access the B1450 Burringham Road from the motorway.

It comes as part of the Lincolnshire Lakes project which aims to build 6,000 new homes by creating six villages in a waterside setting.

Now, North Lincolnshire Council officers have recommended the plans be given the green light at a planning meeting on January 16.

Applicants Highways England said the proposal will help to improve access to Scunthorpe and create new jobs.

Exit for the M181 towards Scunthorpe on the M180 motorway. Picture: J. Hannan-Briggs

A spokesperson for Highways England said: “We are planning to build a new junction on the M181 which will support the Lincolnshire Lakes project.

“It is funded as part of a ring-fenced budget that helps to pay for road improvements which help create jobs and housing around the country.”

But, objections have been lodged by both Burringham and Ashby Parklands Parish Councils.

Both authorities said clarity is needed on the Burringham bypass before any progress can be made with the M181 junction.

The first lake in the Lincolnshire Lakes project in North Lincolnshire.

Burringham Parish Council said “more information” was needed on the bypass and whether or not it would be in place before work begins.

The project comes as the government granted £8.6 million worth of funding towards the junction back in 2016.

Meanwhile, works for flood defences and the first lake of the Lincolnshire Lakes project began in late 2017.

It is hoped the new roundabout will also relieve traffic on Berkley Circle at the junction of Scotter Road, Doncaster Road and Kingsway.

North Lincolnshire Council recently launched a review into the junction in an effort to tackle safety issues.

SUBSCRIBE TO LOCAL DEMOCRACY WEEKLY, our exclusive email newsletter with highlights from our coverage every week and insights and analysis from our local democracy reporters.