Traffic management works to begin as part of wider transport improvements

Work to install traffic lights at the junction of Doddington Road and Birchwood Avenue in Lincoln will begin next month as part of wider transport improvements linked to the Charterholme development.

The project is expected to last around five months and is intended to increase road capacity and improve traffic flow in the area surrounding the development site and the wider road network.

The works will be carried out using a rolling programme of traffic management measures rather than continuous road closures. Temporary traffic controls and local diversion routes will be introduced at different stages of the scheme to maintain access and minimise disruption where possible.

For much of the construction period, drivers will be unable to turn out of Birchwood Avenue onto Doddington Road, although access into Birchwood Avenue from Doddington Road will remain available.

Doddington Road is expected to stay open to two-way traffic throughout most of the works, with temporary traffic lights used at stages to manage vehicle movements. Where full road closures are required, these are expected to take place overnight to reduce the impact on daytime traffic.

Motorists are being advised to allow additional time for journeys and to follow temporary signs and diversion routes during the works.

The highway improvements were identified by Lincolnshire County Council as part of the planning process for the Charterholme development when proposals were submitted in 2020. The measures form part of a wider package of transport infrastructure upgrades associated with the scheme.

Cllr Joshua Wells, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth at City of Lincoln Council, said:

“Charterholme is a huge development, and one that will benefit the city for generations to come, so getting the right infrastructure in place is a key part of making sure it can progress successfully.

“We recognise that construction works can cause some disruption, which is why the works have been planned to keep roads open wherever possible and minimise the impact on residents and road users.

“This latest phase of work is another step forward in delivering the infrastructure needed alongside the development, as we continue working with our partners to help the new Charterholme community take shape.”

Lindum Group Director Mark Burnett said:

“The Charterholme masterplan includes improvements to several junctions across the city, aimed at addressing the development’s transport impacts and supporting future travel demand.

“The highway improvements are intended to provide additional road capacity and help manage existing and increased traffic on surrounding routes as the development progresses.”

The Charterholme development is a major urban extension being delivered by Lindum and City of Lincoln Council on land between Skellingthorpe Road and Doddington Road.

The scheme includes up to 3,200 new homes, a new district centre with shops and community facilities, a primary school, employment land, green spaces and extensive walking and cycling routes. The development is intended to be delivered in phases over a number of years.

Designed as a mixed-use neighbourhood, Charterholme aims to create a self-contained community while improving connections to the wider city. Plans include significant investment in infrastructure, open space, sustainable drainage systems and transport links to support both new and existing residents. The development also incorporates land for future services and amenities as the population grows.

Earlier this month, the local planning authority approved plans for a spine road to connect the new junctions formed at Skellingthorpe Road and Tritton Road, subject to further details. Technical designs for this are now underway and it is hoped that works will be able to commence next year, subject to technical approvals.