Plans to improve the A1173 road between the Stallingborough junction of the A180 and the CATCH roundabout, unlocking land for crucial industrial development, have been revised following input from local businesses.
Following a round of talks between North East Lincolnshire Council, its regeneration partner ENGIE and affected businesses and organisations, the full closure of the 1km stretch of the A1173 will be delayed. This will allow for further investigations as to any alternative solutions, during which relevant businesses and organisations will be engaged with and consulted.
Work however will start with a range of traffic management coming into force between now and May – with the two-phased project being switched around.
In making the change leading councillors said they were pleased an immediate workable solution had been found for all concerned. The work, they add, is a vital cog in a £42m plan to transform North East Lincolnshire’s industrial fortunes for the future.
As reported, the construction of a new roundabout is taking place along the road, providing access to Phase One of a new Stallingborough Business Park. This project is part of SHIIP, the South Humber Industrial Investment Programme which has a target of creating more than 3,000 jobs by attracting a variety of new industry, with a focus upon advanced engineering and renewable energy. Early interest is strong.
The initial roadworks scheme had involved a six-month full closure from this month. However, concerns were raised following the launch of a public engagement exercise and as a result, a two-week ‘soft start’ had already been implemented to allow for the further talks. These talks have now resulted in the following:
- Last week (Friday, 17 January) the 24-hour trial of a 2-way traffic signal operation was removed and from this week, Monday, 20 January, two-way lights are in operation between the hours of 9.30am and 3.30pm. These will operate until Friday, 31 January allowing contractors to continue with their ‘soft start’ ahead of the major works;
- On Monday, 3 February, three-way temporary signals will be installed around the roundabout of Kiln Lane and the A1173. This traffic management will be in place for approximately three months as contractors embark on the necessary improvements to the existing roundabout there, which includes carriageway widening at its entry points;
- Phase 2 of the works is then due to start in May and will involve the new roundabout construction, associated spine roads, a new footway cycle path and the utility installation. This phase of work will still last for six-months and between now and May further talks will be held with all associated parties to investigate the best course of action to allow this work to go ahead. A full road closure is still not being ruled out, but other options will be thoroughly considered.
North East Lincolnshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment and Transport, Councillor Stewart Swinburn, said: “Our aim in making these changes is two-fold, to ensure the progress of the highly important SHIIP project, which will have a positive impact across the whole of the borough, but – and as importantly – to demonstrate our ability to be flexible, to listen to concerns of those successful businesses that are already operating and to work together to find solutions.”
The highways work is part-funded by the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), supported with £1.6m from the Government’s Local Growth Fund. This was secured by the Humber LEP and is part of the Government’s commitment to the Northern Powerhouse.
Minister for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth, Rt Hon Jake Berry MP, said: “We’re committed to boosting economic growth and levelling up communities across the North and the Midlands. Thanks to £1.6 million from the Local Growth Fund, this exciting infrastructure project will not only improve connectivity to Stallingborough and the local area, but it will help to unlock thousands of jobs, boost clean growth and unleash the economic potential of North East Lincolnshire.”
Lord Haskins, Chair of the Humber LEP, added: “We are pleased work is underway on this major infrastructure project to help unlock what is potentially prime development land in North East Lincolnshire. The south bank has many factors that make it a great place to operate a business and there are opportunities for this key location to grow into a thriving business park. This site has the potential to create thousands of jobs for Humber residents as businesses move on to the site and we are proud the Local Growth Fund has helped to support improved employment prospects for the region.”
For more details on SHIIP and the highways phase of the project, click here. Article and photo from NELC.
