North Hykeham section of ring road gets go-ahead

The North Hykeham Relief Road has been given the go-ahead by the Government.

The announcement yesterday was welcomed by Lincoln MP Hamish Falconer as ‘fantastic news for Lincoln and a crucial step forward in completing the city’s ring road’.

The project will see a new dual carriageway built, linking the A46 Pennells Roundabout to the newly constructed Lincoln Eastern Bypass, creating the complete ring road.

“Lincoln, I promised you I’d fight to finish the ring road. Today we have the announcement. Lincoln’s ring road will be complete, and I’m really pleased to announce it.”

The scheme was confirmed as the Department of Transport announced the greenlight for more than 50 road and rail upgrades, which is says will support more than 39,000 homes nationally and create 42,000 jobs.

Over £92 billion of funding was earmarked for infrastructure in the government’s recent spending review.

Cllr Michael Cheyne, Lincolnshire County Council’s executive member for highways, said: “The Government’s commitment to the North Hykeham Relief Road is very welcome news for the whole of Lincolnshire. 

“The past year has been incredibly uncertain for the project team, so this news will be a relief for everyone involved in making this project a reality.”

The public inquiry for the project is currently underway until later this week, with a Full Business Case set to be submitted in early Autumn. 

Construction of the new relief road is currently expected to start in late 2025 and to open by late 2028. The cost of the project is currently estimated to be between £180m and £208m.

When complete, the new relief road will unlock land for 4,500 homes and seven hectares of employment space. It is also projected contribute £350 million in economic benefits for the county over the next 60 years. 

Cllr Cheyne added: “Once built, the new relief road will form the final section of a complete ring road around Lincoln, making it much easier for people to get around the area. 

“And, from a county-wide perspective, it will improve journey time reliability; help us meet the area's growth target; and better connect the A46 between the Midlands through to the Humber ports.”

As part of the project, new roundabouts would be built at South Hykeham Road, Brant Road and Grantham Road. A number of bridges would also be constructed, including at Station Road and over the River Witham.

For more information about this and other major highways projects, visitwww.lincolnshire.gov.uk/nhrr.