Title: Lincolnshire Infrastructure Succumbs to Record Summer Drought
Over 400 roads in Lincolnshire have seen significant damage, including cracks, as a result of the unprecedented dry and hot conditions this summer. The stability of the soil beneath many of these roads has been compromised, a phenomenon engineers refer to as “unique.” Spalding Road in Crowland is one of the many roads currently closed for safety purposes while strategies for repair are being evaluated.
The summer of 2025, according to the Met Office, stands as the hottest in history, with Lincolnshire receiving less than 30% of its typical rainfall. Mark Heaton, from Lincolnshire County Council, mentions that the region’s poor geological structure, notably in the Fens, makes repair work particularly complex.
The British Geological Survey has been enlisted to aid in conducting research employing Lidar technology with the aim to better comprehend the structural weaknesses in the soil, some of which date back to the Ice Age. The drought has had the knock-on effect of drying up the East Glen River at Manthorpe, close to Bourne, which has negatively impacted local habitats and wildlife.
Richard Hartley, a local resident, reminisces about the dramatic contrast of the river’s state earlier this year during January’s flooding, underscoring the volatile nature of our climate. The challenge of repairing all the affected roads in the county is likely to prove a costly endeavour, and Heaton speaks candidly about the financial pressure this will place on local budgets.
This article was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting provided by www.bbc.com.
