Lincoln’s new eastern bypass has opened after over a decade of planning and development.
The bypass, stretching 7.5 kilometres running between the A158 Wragby Road and the A15 Sleaford, was a project that was anticipated for years.
The project was estimated to cost over £120 million and aims to reduce congestion in the city and reduce air and noise pollution within.
Portfolio Holder of Highways, Richard Davies from Lincolnshire County Council, says the bypass “makes a lot of sense on a number of levels.”
“We estimate a 25% reduction in air pollution over Broadgate, and this will free up capacity in the city and hit one of the real air quality hotspots.”
As well as reducing pollution from the city, the bypass is also intended to make travel safer for vulnerable road users.
John Siddle, spokesperson for the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership, believes that the road will improve safety for road users such as cyclists or pedestrians.
“Not having large vehicles in the city helps to protect vulnerable people on either pedal cycles or on foot. On the bypass already, there is large cycling lanes well set away from the traffic, so they are in comparative safety.”
Other aims of the bypass include enhancing the inner-city environment, encourage economic growth and make space for housing. It is said to be the ‘second-to-last step’ in forming a complete ring road around Lincoln.
You can find out more about the project in detail here.