First stretch of new road could open on Sunday
MOTORISTS could be able to drive along part of the "new A1073" from Sunday, but safety fears will mean the full route to Peterborough will not yet be opened.
The stretch of the new road, which will be called the A16, from Spalding to the roundabout south of Crowland may be opened up to traffic on Sunday, depending on the weather.
From there cars will go back onto the old road until the embankment at Car Dyke Bridge, near the A47 junction, is made safe.
Coun William Webb, executive member for highways at the county council, said: "The new A1073, which is currently well advanced in its construction, was originally scheduled for completion in Autumn 2010.
"Until recently it had been hoped to finish earlier than planned but stability issues have arisen on the embankment approaching Car Dyke Bridge, within the Peterborough section of the scheme.
"The embankment will now require investigation and further work to ensure the long-term durability and safety of this section of the road."
Geotechnical experts will carry out tests to work out how to stabilise the embankment and it is not yet clear how long this will take.
The county council had talks with Peterborough City Council, which worked with them on the 80.3 million scheme, and agreed to open the road north of Crowland in the meantime.
Coun Webb added: "Utilising this initial section of road will allow some of the local communities to start benefiting from improved safety and relief from congestion in advance of the whole road opening.
"As this project is led by Lincolnshire County Council, we are naturally disappointed that this section has not been able to open as early as anticipated. We know Peterborough City Council will support us in our endeavours to resolve this situation as quickly as possible."
The 22km road is Lincolnshire County Council's biggest ever construction project and received 69.8 million Government cash.
The current A16 will become the A1175 and the existing A1073 will become a series of unclassified roads.
Roadworks on the old A1073 at Crowland are set to begin from Monday, lasting six weeks.
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Weather for Spalding
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: -1 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: -6 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South east
