Phase one of the £2.8m A18 road safety improvement scheme has been completed nine weeks ahead of the original programme and the road reopened this afternoon, Friday 15 May.
Works started on phase one in January 2020 to carry out a number of safety improvements between the A46 junction and the entrance to Laceby Manor Golf Club.
The works have included:
- Carriageway widening
- Introduction of right turn lanes at the Oaklands Hall Hotel and Laceby Manor Golf Club entrances
- Installation of vehicle safety barriers
- Full carriageway resurfacing and lining works
Due to COVID-19 and impacts on the supply chain, some signage works are still outstanding. Until this is complete, a temporary 30mph speed limit will be in place between the A46 junction and the Beelsby junction on the A18. This temporary speed limit will also support road users in adjusting to the new road width and alignment.
Signage will be installed under temporary traffic signals. Further details will be provided once dates are confirmed and the contractor is available.
Councillor Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for environment and transport at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “The safety of road users in North East Lincolnshire is paramount and the aim of these works is to improve road safety on this stretch of road.
“I would like to pass on my thanks to local residents and businesses for their ongoing support and understanding. We acknowledge the impact and disruption that was caused during this closure but I’m sure we can all understand the long term road safety improvements this closure has allowed.
“Our regeneration partner, ENGIE, and the contractor, CR Reynolds, have worked very closely on the programme of works and have been able to bring additional workforce in on this occasion to bring the works ahead and allow for this road to be reopened early.
“We are currently in unprecedented times with COVID-19, but with the re-opening of this key route, I hope it will allow emergency services, haulage companies, key workers and volunteers to get around while they support all of us during this difficult time.
“Finally, I would like to pass on my personal appreciation to Laceby Manor Golf Club and the Willows Caravan Park for allowing us to proceed with works ahead of schedule, which in turn, allowed us to get this key route open sooner.”
Roger Burnett, owner of Laceby Manor Golf Club, said: “These road safety improvements are most welcome and I’m sure they will have a major impact on the future road safety of this stretch of road.
“Additionally, the speed in which ENGIE and CR Reynolds have accelerated this project will almost certainly have a positive effect on businesses in the local area.”
Phase two
Works on phase two will include carriageway resurfacing to a section of road known as Waterdell between the Waltham Road and Ashby Hill junction.
Phase two was previously reported to be starting on Monday 27 July, following the completion of phase one. Due to phase one completing ahead of schedule, phase two is now expected to start early June with full details announced in the coming weeks.
Phase three
Works on phase three are starting on Monday 18 May. This section of work will be carried out in Lincolnshire County Council’s boundary at the Barton Street and Lincoln Gate junction and will include the installation of a right turn lane to Utterby on Barton Street.
To reduce disruption to motorists, but ensure the workforce can carry out the works safely, this phase of works will be carried out under temporary traffic signals and will take 13 weeks to complete.
All improvements will be carried out in four phases with works completed by May 2021.
North East Lincolnshire Council’s regeneration partner, ENGIE, are managing and overseeing the £2.8m road safety improvement, with local contractor, CR Reynolds, carrying out the works.
More information about the £2.8m A18 road safety improvements are available online at www.nelincs.gov.uk/key-projects
Article and image from NELC.
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