Finally! Plans for A46 Lincoln roundabouts improvements

Plans to increase capacity and improve traffic flow at two roundabouts on the A46 in Lincoln have been put forward.

Improvements will be made at the A46 Riseholme and Nettleham roundabouts.

Each roundabout will take about seven months to construct and the county council intends to build both at the same time to minimise disruption, although that plan could change as the scheme develops.

Many argue dualling the bypass between these roundabouts is the answer, but the county council believes the real problem is at the approach and exit lanes.

The proposed £4.7 million scheme will be discussed at a meeting of the county council’s Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee on Monday, March 11.

Final approval would be given by executive councillors at a later date. When approved the scheme will be funded by the county council and the Greater Lincolnshire LEP.

If plans are approved, Lincolnshire County Council aim to appoint a contractor later this year with a view to start work in February 2020.

Roundabouts project

As part of the project the following improvements will be made to each roundabout:

• Riseholme – adding an extra lane in the roundabout itself. Also constructing an extra entrance and exit lane at all approaches and exits
• Nettleham – extending the length of all of the roundabout’s two lane approaches and exits

Drainage systems at both roundabouts will be rebuilt. New signs and lighting columns will be installed and sections of the existing road rebuilt to minimise future maintenance.

Executive Member for Highways and Transport, Councillor Richard Davies, said: “Lincoln’s northern bypass is one of the county’s most important roads.

“However, at the moment, the Riseholme and Nettleham roundabouts are operating just under full capacity, meaning drivers often face queues – particularly at peak times.

“With the number of vehicles using the bypass due to increase over the coming years, this situation will only get worse.

“Although many people think dualling the bypass between these roundabouts would be the best way of keeping traffic flowing, our models show that the real problem is at the approach and exits lanes since that’s where traffic gets bottled up.

“That’s why we’ve developed proposals for improving capacity and making both roundabouts bigger.”

He added: “When we start on site early next year, road users can expect a combination of narrowed lanes, temporary speed reductions and night-time road closures during the works.

“This will inevitably cause some disruption, but we will do our absolute best to keep traffic moving while we carry out these much-needed improvements.”

A provisional Growth Deal allocation of £2.5 million is in place for this project.