“Lincolnshire drivers are not very good at ‘merge in turn” a councillor has said as £10 million of roundabout improvements across the county were agreed today.
Councillor Robin Renshaw made the comments during the second of two agenda items before members of Lincolnshire County Council’s highways and transport committee.
They today approved options including:
Adding additional lanes on all five approaches to the A17/A15 Holdingham Roundabout
Additional lanes on all four approaches to the A46/A15 Riseholme Road Roundabout
An extra lane around the outside of both of the above roundabouts
Additional lanes and traffic lights on the A17/A153 Rugby Club junction
Longer approach lanes on the entrances to the A46/A158 Nettleham Road Roundabout
Mr Renshaw was responding to the news that some exits would be made into two lanes, with a merge in turn further down the line.
“The length of the lanes that determine the actual capabilities or lack of clemency is something we will need to take on board.”
The A17 Holdingham Road roundabout could get an extra lane added to all its 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.
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.
Funding will come from Lincolnshire County Council and a number of other funds and grants, as well as S106 developer contributions.
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Residents, visitors, and traders have expressed their disappointment following the cancellation of the beloved Lincoln Christmas Market, on what would have been the inaugural day of this year’s four-day event.
Although the poor weather might have deterred some people, the city’s Bailgate area was notably quiet around 12pm on Thursday, typically the time the event usually opens its doors.
Although Lincoln’s famous Christmas Market is no more this year, and won’t be opening today, there are still alternative festive events happening in Lincoln.
City of Lincoln Council’s decision to cancel the 40-year-old event over safety concerns prompted backlash from people and business but, despite pleas from opposition members, its leaders would not change their stance.
There are, however, still some events in Lincoln to get you in the festive mood this week, including these highlights:
Christmas Market at County Assembly Rooms
The County Assembly Rooms in the Bailgate will still hold its own Christmas Market that it has done for many years.
Manager Gill Hunter said stallholders had already pre-booked and 70% still wanted to do it despite the cancellation of the city’s 40-year-old Christmas Market in uphill Lincoln.
There will be a range of festive stalls, food, drinks and performers when it opens at the following times:
Thursday, December 7 (4pm-9pm)
Friday, December 8 (10am-9pm)
Saturday, December 9 (10am-9pm)
Sunday, December 10 (10am-7pm)
This coincides with the free parking at selected city council car parks in uphill Lincoln on Thursday and Friday. This is available at these car parks: Westgate 1,2,3, St Pauls, Castle Hill, The Lawn, and Langworthgate
The bar at The County Assembly Rooms will be serving hot chocolate, festive sandwiches, alcoholic beverages and more. There will also be a brewery selling bottle ale and roasted hot chestnuts will also be available to buy.
Lincoln Castle Illuminated
Lincoln Castle Illuminated will run from Friday, December 8 until Saturday, December 23.
The Castle grounds will be bejewelled with festive lights and illuminated Christmas features. You can take a drip down Candy Cane Lane and also see the resident Castle dragons Lucy and Norman.
The Castle has retained its popular Illuminated Wall Walk, but the lift is currently out of action so it can only be accessed via the spiral staircase.
You can also board the ‘Mini Polar Express’ and enjoy traditional fairground rides.
In addition, there will be local vendors offering sweet treats and winter warmers, including hot chocolate and mulled wine.
Dog friendly evenings will take place on December 13 and 20.
The full Lincoln Castle Illuminated experience costs £11 for adults, £10 for concessions, £6 for children, and £28 for family tickets. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the grounds only for £3 per head (free for under 5s).
Festive fun at Lincoln Cathedral
Lincoln Cathedral will be hosting an array of festive events this month, including during what would have been the Christmas Market period.
Crafters market in the Cloisters – December 8 and 9 (10.30am-4.30pm)
Nativity Crafts – December 9 (10am-3.30pm)
London Concertante: Christmas at the Movies – December 9 (7.30pm). Ticket prices range from £33.99 to £47.72
‘After Hours’: Walking towards Christmas – December 10 (6.45pm)
Winter Market at Lincoln Museum
Lincoln Museum on Danes Terrace is holding a Winter Market on Saturday, December 9, which has been organised by Shelf Editions.
There will also be workshops to take part in including metal wreath (£45) and felt decoration (£15) making, which can be booked via the museum’s website.
For the younger visitors there is also a free drop-in Calendar wreath craft session with the Elbow Room Collective.
Entry to the market is free from 10am-4pm with the cafe serving a festive menu from 11am-3pm.
Lincoln Ice Trail
Lincoln Ice Trail will run from 10am-8pm on Saturday and Sunday, December 9 and 10.
There will be 20 Lincoln-themed ice sculptures to find – you can pick up a map of the trail from the Visitor Information Centre.
In addition, there will be festive entertainment, as well as live-ice carving demonstrations of the Cathedral.
The Travelling Historical Christmas Market
Although this event is next week, The Travelling Historical Christmas Market offers another festive alternative for people in Lincoln.
The free event will take place at St Mary le Wigford Church on St Mary’s Street between December 14 and 17 at the following times: