Work to transform a busy junction and main through-fare through central Grimsby will start on 13 January, with the installation of a fit-for-purpose roundabout to improve traffic flow and provide access to a potential new housing site.
Once complete the new roundabout will replace the existing mini roundabout at the junction of Cambridge Road and Little Coates Road, which has long been a pinch-point for traffic delays during busy times of the day.
The majority of the works are being funded through a £1.8m grant from the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, matched with funding from NELC.
Research carried out in preparation for these works revealed substantial queuing at the present roundabout during peak periods, affecting the A46 to the south and Great Coates Road and Yarborough Road to the north. Identified in the Local Plan as an important link road for commuters, this route also provides a secondary route to Cleethorpes.
The new roundabout is due to be built on the former Western School site and takes into account future housing allocation plans, with 390 new homes set to be built there. As reported, this development is part of North East Lincolnshire Council’s longer-term vision to make the redundant school site available for good-quality housing – bringing investment back into the town centre and boosting the urban economy.
To account for future development on the former school site, an arm is being constructed off the new roundabout to form an access road into the site. This prevents any further major traffic disruption in the area as and when any development goes ahead. Homes England are part funding the new roundabout arm.
Once completed, the existing routes of Cambridge Road and Little Coates Road will have been re-aligned to meet the new roundabout.
As part of the works, a few trees will be removed and replaced elsewhere to allow the roundabout to be constructed. However, there are a few protected trees in the area which will remain where they are.
The highway improvement works are expected to take 40 weeks to be delivered, due to start on Monday 13 January 2020. Disruption to road users will be reduced to a minimum at the beginning and end of the scheme as the bulk of the works will take place on the former Western site.
Welcoming the start of the work, North East Lincolnshire Council’s portfolio holder for Highways and Transport, Cllr Stewart Swinburn, said: “Developing a road infrastructure that is fit-for-purpose is an essential part of improving our urban areas and this particular junction is recognised as being a real hot-spot in terms of queuing and congestion.
This is vital work as we look at a connective programme and make sensible decisions to prevent further disruption. I would think everyone who travels that road will welcome the completion of this work.”
Pat Doody, Interim Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership said: “The Greater Lincolnshire LEP is pleased to be contributing £1,802,109 towards enhancement of this key junction. The project will assist in the delivery of new housing sites and create a significantly improved route between residential areas and the existing and proposed employment zones in Stallingborough, Great Coates, Immingham and Killingholme.”
Minister of State for Local Growth, Rt Hon Jake Berry MP, said: “We are committed to boosting economic growth across the North and Midlands and ensuring every community has the support and investment it needs to flourish.
“Thanks to £1.8 million of Government support from the Local Growth Fund, these road improvements will not only create safer and more accessible routes for commuters and visitors to the area but also support the delivery of a new housing site, providing 390 much-needed homes for the community.”
Article and photos from NELC.
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