June 27, 2022 6.00 pm This story is over 21 months old

The case for a Sleaford bypass, dual-carriageway and link road

A wishlist for Sleaford’s traffic woes
The single-lane stretch of the A17 is considerably more accident prone than the dual carriageway | Photo: Google

A bypass, a link road and a dual-carriage A17 would make Sleaford traffic faster and safer, the council says.

North Kesteven District Council have endorsed a draft transport strategy to improve transport around the town over the next decade.

Amongst short term goals are several major works which could be explored and potentially bring huge changes to the road network.

They would need feasibility studies before they would be formally adopted.

A southern bypass around Sleaford is one of the major ideas.

A feasibility study would be needed to determine whether improved journey times and congestion would be worth the cost and environmental impact.

There is also the suggestion of turning the A17 within the strategy area into a dual-carriageaway.

The Lincolnshire County Council report says that the single carriageway portion is liable to congestion, which slows business and infuriates drivers.

The single lane portion of the A17 is also significantly more dangerous than the double lane areas, with six fatal accidents in the last five years.

“Statistically, drivers are three times more likely to be in a fatal or serious accident on a single carriageway than on a dual carriageway, so dualling this road could decrease road deaths,” the report says.

Could a link road between East Gate and Boston Road improve traffic? | Photo: Google

The draft strategy also raises the prospect of a link road to help drivers get to the town centre, bridging East Gate to Boston Road.

“Currently for drivers, it is an 800m journey to get from Lafford Terrace on Eastgate to the Leisure Centre on Boston Road, despite these locations being 100m apart,” it says.

“Building a road and bridge between these locations could have a number of potential benefits, such as faster journey times on the proposed route and through the Town Centre, creating better access for developments close to the link, with the potential for new businesses opening.”

The report was endorsed by North Kesteven District Council’s Executive Board, and will be used to shape the future of travel until 2036.

Councillor Mervyn Head said: “It’s important to look at the modes of transport we use, and invest in the right ones at the right time.

“The biggest problem will be cost constraint. We would all like to see lots of things in this implemented, but it is a very big step forward.

“We should support it and hope Lincolnshire County Council will implement much of it, subject to finance being available.”

The document also lays out plans to improve Sleaford’s cycling and walking network, increase bus service reliability and enable motorists to switch to electric vehicles.

There are also hopes to improve ‘pinch points’ junctions and the location of car parking.