Contractors are being sought to deliver the transformational scheme at Toll Bar roundabout.
A programme of works to improve traffic flow at the roundabout is due to start in July.
These works follow on from the introduction of a toucan crossing installed in October 2019 to improve road safety for pedestrians and cyclists at the junction.
Firms have been invited to tender by North East Lincolnshire Council and its regeneration partner, ENGIE, for the scheme. The winning contractor is expected to be appointed in June.
North East Lincolnshire Council’s Cabinet approved the scheme in December which will see the roundabout retained.
Additional lanes into the roundabout will be constructed to help traffic get through the junction more efficiently.
The council and ENGIE have released a new image to give an impression of how the roundabout will look once the works are completed.
Cabinet member for transport and the environment, Cllr Stewart Swinburn, said once the contractor is appointed, further details will be known on how traffic will be managed during the works programme.
“We are acutely aware of the potential issues to residents and businesses while the works are undertaken,” Cllr Swinburn said.
“To that end, we have asked potential contractors to review options on ways to reduce the impact of the works on the local community and businesses affected by the works.
“If residents or businesses have any specific concerns, they are encouraged to get in touch with the delivery team ahead of the works beginning in July, we will write to all nearby residents and businesses directly in the coming weeks to discuss any access arrangements.
“The image we have released illustrates the significant changes being made while retaining the roundabout. Hopefully, once completed, residents and businesses will feel the disruption was worthwhile.”
As part of the housing development, the developer has proposed to build a school drop-off facility for 33 spaces by way of reasonable mitigation. Any additional parking or drop-off facilities in this location are subject to the housing development timescale.
Speaking about the parking in the area, Cllr Swinburn continued: “Although the parking facility is subject to the housing development progress, we are already looking at ways to increase this capacity and improve road safety in the area. If we’re able to provide a proper parking facility, this will help us implement additional parking restrictions on the busy link road between New and Old Waltham to make sure pedestrians are as safe as possible.”
The works, deliberately timed to coincide with the end of the summer term at Tollbar Academy, are expected to last five months.
Before the works start, the engagement team will be liaising with residents, stakeholders, including Tollbar Academy, emergency services and Stagecoach, to ensure all factors which will impact on the local area are taken into consideration.
Residents or businesses with a specific issue regarding the project should contact the delivery team by email at Tollbarjunction@nelincs.gov.uk or write to Toll Bar Junction Improvements Engagement Team, New Oxford House, George Street, Grimsby, DN31 1HB.
Article and image courtesy of NELC.
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