North East Lincolnshire Council and its regeneration partner, EQUANS, are progressing with works to install a new roundabout at the A18 and Waltham Road junction.
Since starting works last month, good progress has been made with the following works completed:
- Set up of site compound area
- Set up of traffic management, including the diversion route
- Removal of trees and vegetation on land identified for the new roundabout, with landscaping works planned to be completed at the end of the project
- Installation of improved drainage infrastructure
- Excavation to prepare for the roundabout construction
- Removal of the old kerbing
Over the coming weeks, works will focus on installing the new kerbing, diverting the water main on Waltham Road and continuing the excavation and drainage works.
Councillor Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for environment and transport at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “I appreciate the inconvenience these improvements are causing to residents and businesses. In developing this final phase, we considered all the traffic management options available and unfortunately had no other option than to introduce a road closure.
“Due to the heavy machinery on site and the deep excavation works required, it wasn’t possible to consider temporary traffic signals or lane closures as part of the work as this would create a major safety risk to both the workforce and motorists. The only option to deliver this project safely was a full road closure.
“The council and EQUANS fully understand the disruption and engineers are working with CR Reynolds to ensure this project is completed as quickly and as safely as possible with an aim to complete the works and have the road reopened before the Christmas holidays. Regular reviews are taking place and if we can accelerate the programme and finish works early, then we will.
“As we are carrying out works in the darker months, this limits our working hours, but CR Reynolds are working tirelessly on this project to ensure it is completed both to a good standard and on programme and budget.
“These improvements are vital to improving road safety on this route, as highlighted in various reports and in accordance with accident data. I would urge motorists to please persevere as we push on with the improvements to provide a safer route.”
Motorists, including HGV traffic, are encouraged to follow the official signed diversion route along the A46 and A16 to minimise disruption around the network. Highway officials are regularly monitoring traffic movements in the area and traffic management for the scheme is being altered as required.
Keep up to date with roadworks across the area at https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/roadworks
Article and images from NELC.
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