March 11, 2019 2.47 pm This story is over 60 months old

‘Lincoln drivers must learn to merge in turn’: Roundabout improvements come with warning

Residents have previously complained about the traffic measure

A hotly-debated topic in Lincoln raised its head again during a council meeting to agree more than £4.6 million improvements to city roundabouts.

“Lincolnshire drivers are not very good at merging in turn,” said Councillor Robin Renshaw as Lincolnshire County Council’s highways and transport committee approved additional lanes on the A46/A15 Riseholme Road and A46/A158 Nettleham Road Roundabouts.

Mr Renshaw was responding to the news that some exits would be made into two lanes, with a merge in turn further down the road.

“The length of the lanes that determine the actual capabilities or lack of clemency is something we will need to take on board, because some of the locations that have merge in turns there’s no alternative except to green a tarmacked area which seems a wasted resource.”

The A46 Riseholme roundabout could get an extra lane added to all approaches.

Councillor John Brewin said councillors should look at Canwick Hill as a merge in turn which he said was a “good example of how to do it properly

“It always seems to work and makes everybody happy,” he said.

Lincoln residents may not agree however, as there have been several hotly-debated stories in local media and posts on social media regarding the issue.

Councillors approved the schemes, though called for better advanced signage ahead of the roundabouts , more modelling of key peak hours and better public engagement around the works and diversions.

Improvements will be made at the A46 Riseholme and Nettleham roundabouts. Photo: Apple Maps

Councillor Renshaw also asked officers to bear the different traffic types which used the Lincoln roundabouts in mind with, he said, mostly commuters using the A46/A158 Nettleham island and mostly freight using the A48/A15 Riseholme Road feature.

The schemes along the A17 are estimated to cost around £5,172,500 while the Lincoln schemes total around £4,695,752.

The schemes will see funding from Lincolnshire County Council and a number of other funds and grants, as well as S106 developer contributions.

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