Lincolnshire County Council has submitteds a bid to the government’s Levelling Up Fund for road improvements in the south east of the county.
The bid is being boosted with letters of support from business leaders, local MPs and all councils across Greater Lincolnshire.
The council’s submission aims to reduce congestion in Boston and along the A16 corridor- a key route for the agri-food industry.
Cllr Martin Hill, leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said:“These transport routes are key for freight travel across the whole of Greater Lincolnshire, but also important for local people travelling between Boston and Spalding. We welcome the government’s commitment to ensure every part of the country gets the funding it needs. Ongoing investment in improved transport infrastructure is a priority for Greater Lincolnshire, connecting our trading markets and communities.”
South Holland District Council Leader Gary Porter said: “The County Council’s bid for investment in the A16, which has been developed with the involvement of the district, is positive news for all of South Holland. A large number of our businesses rely on the road to support their operations, especially our food and horticultural sectors where the timely delivery and dispatch of produce is essential for jobs and productivity.
“The improvements sought around Spalding are long awaited and, if approved by the Government, will make a big contribution to our future plans and ambitions as we move out of the pandemic. I would like to thank Councillor Hill and the county council team for their work on this bid, and to our officers at the District Council for their support and assistance with it.”
Cllr Richard Davies, portfolio holder for highways and transport and the county council, said: “Improving these routes opens up further investment opportunities, but also strongly benefits residents in this area. With improved walking and cycling facilities and reduced traffic congestion, the proposed bid complements other local transport and renewal projects underway or planned.
“As a county council, we may only be able to bid for one project from this particular fund, but our developing countywide transport plan will offer ambitious and forward-thinking travel solutions like this for all of our communities.”
Commenting on the bid, MP for Boston and Skegness Matt Warman said: “This proposal will unlock the start of a much needed wider programme of road improvements in the Boston area. For too long we have known that unpredictable congestion on Boston’s main arteries costs our businesses time and money and causes huge frustration to local road users.
“I am pleased to see the County Council bid focusing on delivering improvements and look forward to continuing to work with them to develop a much more comprehensive proposal to access further Government funding.”
