April 20, 2022 1.30 pm This story is over 23 months old

Roman Bank improvements complete in Skegness after 19 months of work

Council thanks people for patience throughout
Roman Bank was subject of more than 18 months work, starting back in 2020. | Photo: LCC
By Local Democracy Reporter

Some 19 months after construction began to improve one of Skegness’ most used roads, £4.8 million works have finally been completed at Roman Bank.

It has been a project full of setbacks and headaches for Lincolnshire County Council’s highways department, having previously scheduled the works to take eight months for repairs in August 2020.

The work was to be carried out between Roman Bank’s junction with Burgh Road/Castleton Boulevard, and just past the junction with Elmhirst Avenue.

Roman Bank in Skegness before the works began. | Photo: Lincolnshire County Council

Nearly 7,000 tonnes of material have been excavated, with a mile and a quarter of new kerbing installed and over half a mile of underground cables diverted throughout the project.

Worn out carriageway and footpaths were replaced, drainage was improved and a pedestrian crossing was refurbished during the works, but it didn’t come without its fair share of issues.

550m of road and pathway have been repaired and improved. | Photo: LCC

In March 2021, works were delayed beyond the initial eight month plan after it was discovered that a gas pipe would need be diverted, while roadworks were then paused across the summer months that year to allow for easier access in the town for the public.

Then, last month in March 2022, the road was due to reopen but those plans were shelved after a number of parked vehicles obstructed a through-route lane, according to the council.

Roman Bank in Skegness had been subject to major construction works since August 2020! | Photo: Lincolnshire County Council

However, these issues were dealt with and after 19 months the road is finally complete, with the county council hoping it will make for smoother journeys through Skegness in the long term.

Councillor Richard Davies, executive member for highways at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Since starting in September 2020, we’ve spent over 52,000 hours on this massive project – including digging up worn out carriageway and footways and laying over 7,000 tonnes of new tarmac to completely reconstruct this section of Roman Bank.

“We also took the opportunity to completely rebuild sections of the road’s drainage system, including installing over half a mile of new underground pipes, over 20 new manholes and nearly 90 new gullies.

“The team also fully refurbished the pedestrian crossing near the junction of Roman Bank and Sea View Road as part of the scheme as part of the project.

“Now that we’re finished, residents and visitors should notice smoother, safer journeys when travelling through Skegness along Roman Bank.”

Roadworks in place on Roman Bank in Skegness from March 2022. | Photo: Submitted

Councillor Davies added: “Although the project faced some challenges along the way, including unexpected utility diversions, wet and snowy weather and some supply issues, the team did an excellent job working through each problem and getting us to where we are today.

“I also want to thank all of Skegness for bearing with us throughout the project.”

Roman Bank improvement works were carried out by Breheny Civil Engineering, and co-funded by £3.6 million from the Department for Transport’s challenge fund, and £1.2 million from Lincolnshire County Council.