The Secretary of State has approved the legal orders for the North Hykeham Road, giving the county council the ability to start construction when ready.

Cllr Michael Cheyne, executive member for highways, said: “This is fantastic news for the North Hykeham Relief Road project and the people of Lincolnshire, since it means we’re one step closer to starting construction early next year as planned.

“Now that we’ve been given the all clear by Government to move forward, the next step is to officially appoint a contractor. This will be a topic of discussion at our Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee meeting in December, and then voted on by Executive in early January.

“In the meantime, I want thank everyone involved in getting us to this stage – in particular, all of the project team involved in getting us through the public inquiry process. The Secretary of State’s decision to give the relief road the go-ahead is a testament to all the hard work they’ve put in up to this stage.”

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

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.

Balfour Beatty is expected to deliver the main construction works once the project formally begins.

(Picture – Lincolnshire County Council)