Major improvements to the Newland area of Lincoln are now underway

Works to improve the area’s road surfacing, drainage, footways and traffic signals have now started

Cllr Richard Davies, executive member for highways, said: “Works are now officially underway for our improvements to Newland and the surrounding area of Lincoln.

“From now, the team will be on-site until this winter working to improve the area’s infrastructure for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and everyone else that passes through.

“Not only will we be digging up the existing road surfacing ahead of laying new, but we’ll also be improving the drainage to help reduce surface water when it rains and replacing two of Lincoln’s most used sets of traffic signals.

“All of the infrastructure we’re replacing is starting to deteriorate, so we’re taking the opportunity to improve it all now before it can get any worse. This will also mean less disruption for Lincoln in the future.”

Below is an overview the traffic management planned for throughout the project:

• A 24/7 westbound closure of Newland will be used as needed throughout the project, between Wigford Way and The Avenue, for footway, kerbing, drainage and signal works
• The main diversion route for the westbound closure will be via East West Link, Tentercroft Street, Rope Walk and Brayford Way
• Vehicles will still be able to travel eastbound along Newland; however, temporary traffic signals will be used as needed
• Vehicles will be able to access Lucy Tower Street and the car park by travelling eastbound along Newland
• To minimise disruption to the travelling public and to allow safe working space for the site team, road surfacing works will be carried out at night, between 7pm and 6am (weekday evenings), under a full road closure
• Advance Road Closure warning signs will be erected on-site two weeks prior to the start of any of road closures

Cllr Davies added: “Now that the works are underway, people will no doubt experience some disruption during their journeys into, out of and around Lincoln. This is inevitable when carrying out works of this scale, so we kindly ask everyone to bear with us for the next seven months as the disruption will be well worth it in the end.

“In the meantime, we encourage everyone to leave extra time for their journeys and to treat our workforce with respect.”

As part of the £2 million project, the following improvements are being carried out:

• Full reconstruction of the carriageway along Newland, between Mint Street and Carholme Road junction – along with part of Wigford Way, Mint Lane and Lucy Tower Street
• Replacing the traffic signals at the Lucy Tower Street/Newland junction and at the Carholme Road/Brayford Way junction
• Replacing kerbs and footways that have started to deteriorate
• Repair work to the county council’s highways drainage system

For more information about this and other major highways projects, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/majorprojects.

The Newland maintenance and refurbishment project will see the following improvements carried out in the heart of Lincoln:

• rebuilding the carriageway along Newland, between Wigford Way and The Avenue – along with some of Wigford Way, Mint Lane and Lucy Tower Street
• replacing kerbs and footways that have started to deteriorate
• installing improved highways drainage
• replacing two of Lincoln’s oldest sets of the traffic signals – at the Lucy Tower Street/Newland junction and at the Carholme Road/Brayford Way junction

Aims and benefits

• Improved infrastructure for those traveling on foot
• Smoother journeys for those travelling by car
• New traffic lights with improved technology
• Help alleviate standing water in the area

Cost and funding

The estimated cost is £2 million, with the scheme being fully funded by Lincolnshire County Council.

Timeline

• July 2023: Preliminary surveys carried out
• March 2024: Contractor appointed
• April 2024: Works begin
• Winter 2024/25*: Project complete

*All future dates are projected and subject to change dependent on external factors.