Route for city bypass is revealed

A preferred route for a major bypass around Lincoln has been revealed by county officials.

Highways managers said the proposal was a major step forward for the city's long-debated eastern bypass.

The £116m route would link the A158 Wragby Road to the north with the A15 to the south at Washingborough Road.

The 4.5-mile (7.24km) road would eventually connect the existing western and northern relief roads to the proposed Lincoln Southern Bypass (LSB).

2012 start

Assistant director for highways and traffic Paul Coathup claimed the route, if approved, would help reduce traffic congestion.

The route would "improve accessibility to Lincoln and get people around Lincoln who don't want to go into the city at all," he said.

Public consultation in February had provided feedback on the plans from local residents.

"The overwhelming response from the public when we spoke to people was: 'Get on with it'," Mr Coathup added.

The route would go past Cherry Willingham and Branston and finally cross the River Witham.

It would also open up more land for possible housing developments in the area, Mr Coathup said.

The proposals will go to Lincoln County Council for discussion next month with work on the project, if approved, starting sometime after 2012.