'If left it could collapse': Road to close in Wainfleet St Mary for works ahead of riverbank safety scheme

Vicarage Lane will be shut from Wednesday, February 4 to Friday, February 6, with work taking place between 7.30am and 4pm each day.

Lincolnshire County Council says the closure is needed so engineers can dig trial holes across the road as part of the first stage of a plan to protect the riverbank along the River Steeping.

Jonathan Evans, Head of Highways Client at the county council, said erosion on the outside bend of the river is slowly undermining the embankment next to the road.

“The river is gradually eroding the bank, which is beginning to destabilise the post-and-rail fence and the footpath,” he said. “If left, it could eventually pose safety risks and lead to the collapse of the road at this location.”

The long-term plan is to stabilise the embankment using measures such as sheet piling. However, before that work can begin, engineers must identify the exact position of underground utility services.

“This investigation work has to be carried out under a road closure,” Mr Evans added.

A signed diversion will be in place via Vicarage Lane, Boston Road (B1195), the A52, St Michaels Lane and Low Road, and vice versa.

The council says crews will work as quickly as possible to minimise disruption and thanked residents for their patience.

Up-to-date information on this and other roadworks is available at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/roadworks.