January 27, 2020 1.48 pm This story is over 51 months old

Lincoln Eastern Bypass ‘on track for Autumn’ after 80 years

The 7.5km link road will cost £120 million when it is completed

Lincoln’s Eastern Bypass is on track to open in Autumn 2020, more than 80 years after the plans were first drawn up.

Work started on the now £120 million project in 2016, but the opening was delayed by the collapse of Carillion and recent floods in the area.

The site was up to three feet in water in some places but it has now receded and construction is now getting back into full swing.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

When it opens later this year, the 7.5km stretch will connect the A15 near Bracebridge Heath to the A46 in North Greetwell.

The bypass will be late and over budget by £21 million when it opens but it should help to ease the traffic problems in the city.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Richard Davies, highways boss at Lincolnshire County Council, told The Lincolnite on a site tour that it has not been an easy project.

He said: “If it was easy, it probably would have been done decades ago. We are looking at an Autumn opening now.

“The reality is when you’ve waited for 80 years for a new road I am very relaxed about a few extra months.

“Bear in mind that the risk of delay is at the contractor’s expense so we’re not seeing massive inflation in the cost, I’m just pleased to see tarmac.”

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Meanwhile, Hawthorn Road is closed from Monday, January 27 with a diversion route in place via Bunkers Hill/A158/Kennel Lane, and vice versa.

Heighington Road is also expected to re-open on Friday, January 31, subject to suitable weather conditions.