New road delayed by Roman find

The Romans built long-lasting roads

The discovery of a 2,000-year-old highway has delayed a road building project in Lincolnshire.

Remains of the ancient Fosse Way built by the Romans have been found just south of Brough.

Archaeologists were called in after the 12-metre wide section was uncovered during digging as part of work to upgrade the A46.

The Roman road originally ran from Lincoln to Exeter past Leicester, Cirencester and Bath and was used as a major thoroughfare - the equivalent of the modern motorway.

Archaeologist Russell Trimble said: "Typically of Roman roads in general, it is very solidly built and long lasting.

"The fact we are finding it now is a testament to that."

Although work on the A46 has been interrupted, the improvements should be finished by 2003.