A17 Sleaford bypass blocked due to flooding

Motorists warned that flooding has closed the A17 Sleaford bypass between Holdingham and the A153.

Lincolnshire Police have reported this morning that it is receiving several reports of flooding on roads this morning (Thursday) due to the heavy rainfall around the county overnight.

A force spokesman said on social media: "If you have to make an essential journey please take care and drive to the conditions."

The same stretch of the A17 was closed just before Christmas due to flooding which led to a two vehicle collision.

Residents are becoming concerned as Boston Road is already blocked due to flooding under the railway bridge leaving less and less routes in and out of town to choose from, as major improvement works have begun at Holdingham Roundabout, with temporary traffic lights appearing on Lincoln Road.

Lincolnshire County Council highways officials are talking with Network Rail to get the Boston Road flooding resolved.

As a result of the A17 flooding, residents have also queried the effectiveness of £2.4million improvement works carried out just over three years ago to strengthen the A17 bypass embankment around the A153 junction and improve drainage.

The work caused months of disruption with lane closures and diversions.

At the time, executive board member for highways, Coun Richard Davies said: “These repairs and improvements will improve safety for road users; stabilise the embankment to prevent further deterioration and reduce future repair costs; and ensure that rainwater is properly channelled away from the bank to where it should be discharged.”