A public inquiry has been launched over the proposed North Hykeham relief road, a £200 million project aimed at connecting the A46 to the Lincoln Eastern Bypass, thus completing the ring road network of the city. The project has been met with opposition from local landowners and businesses arising from potential land use implications and compulsory purchases. Evidence from both the opposers and the supporters, which includes Lincolnshire County Council, will be examined by an independent inspector over the course of the next two weeks. Sam Edwards, who leads the council’s highways infrastructure department, emphasised that ‘constructive dialogue’ is being maintained with the opposers of the plan.
At the opening of the inquiry, Simon Randle, the council’s advocate, underlined the urgency of the project. Randle stated that the project is a necessity for managing present and future traffic whilst also fostering the growth of Lincoln. The inquiry was kickstarted with a presentation from Travelodge Hotels, one of the businesses in opposition to the project, with others set to join in the coming week.
As of now, the scheme has secured government funding amounting to £110 million, which was pledged back in 2019. However, we are still awaiting confirmation following a review by the Department for Transport. Lincolnshire County Council will be responsible for providing the remaining funds. Given the project is approved, construction could begin immediately, and the road is expected to be ready for use by late 2028. The schedule for the inquiry can be accessed on the Lincolnshire County Council’s website.
The story was adapted from original reporting by The Lincoln Post. Please see the BBC’s article for more details.
