March 11, 2019 2.41 pm This story is over 59 months old

Lincolnshire drivers “not good at merging in turn”

Additional lanes will be added to roundabout entrances and exits

“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.


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