Works on the main Spalding to Pinchbeck active travel scheme are to begin this Spring, Lincolnshire County Council has announced, with construction expected to continue until late 2026.

Cllr Michael Cheyne, executive member for highways, said: “Since our last update, the team has been working hard to progress the project, with a view to starting main construction this April. 

“We remain on track for this, with some final trial holes set to be carried out early next month. These will help ensure we have as accurate an idea as possible as to the ground conditions where we’ll be building and what types of utilities are located there.”

Cllr Ingrid Sheard, county councillor for Spalding Elloe, said: “These short-term investigations are needed to progress the project onto its final stages and ensure we are ready to go in April with implementing the first stages of this fantastic project. 

“When complete, this project will bring a safe and fit-for-purpose route for residents to utilise in an active fashion to work and for leisure and health purposes. There are a number of people in Spalding and Pinchbeck who enjoy walking and cycling, and this offer a fantastic route which can be used in all weathers and will help to alleviate the risk to cyclists using this very busy stretch of road.

“This along, with a new local scheme called “Don’t be Dim”, is hoped to bring safety to all wanting to walk or cycle instead of jumping in the car.”

Below is an update on the Spalding to Pinchbeck Active Travel improvement scheme:

Trial holes

Trial hole investigations will begin on Monday 2 February for up to two weeks along Spalding Road/Pinchbeck Road, weekdays only from 9am to 3pm. 

During the works, a combination of temporary traffic signals and stop-go signboards will be in use. 

Recent preliminary works 

Drainage surveys were successfully completed last autumn, offering insight into the location of underground drainage pipes and apparatus along the new footway/cycleway route.

In addition, three GDPR-compliant sensors have been/will be installed – one at the Kings Road junction with Pinchbeck Road; one near Vernatts Drain in Spalding; and one on Church Street in Pinchbeck. These will be used to help the project team track pedestrian and traffic movements before and after the works.

Two additional sensors will be installed on Pinchbeck Road in the coming weeks.

Those wanting additional information about the sensors can scan the QR code sticker on the lampposts where they are installed to find out more. 

Traffic management details for the main works are still being finalised. These will be shared closer to the time, including any impact on public transport. However, it is likely that a combination of road closures and temporary traffic signals will be required throughout the project. Access to homes and businesses will be maintained. 

PIC-LINCOLNSHIRE CC