Council seeks to clear up confusion among residents over major road improvement works in Sleaford

Long-awaited reconstruction to Grantham Road gets under way on Monday (July 13) to smooth out the pitted and bumpy surface, while at the same time upgrading traffic light signals at the Southgate and Grantham Road junction.

It will also see the installation of a new puffin crossing near the Spar store and the London Road junction to improve safety for pedestrians crossing there.

To carry out the work safely, there will be a combination of phased daytime road closures (7am to 6pm) and phased night-time road closures (6pm to 4am) on weekdays throughout the project. The Southgate level crossing will also be closed to vehicles during the works, but will be open to pedestrians when safe to cross.

Some residents have been anxious about being able to get into town for things such as doctors’ appointments travelling from Mareham Lane without a massive diversion, while others have been confused about access to and from their homes on housing estates adjoining Grantham Road.

Coun Bayleigh Robinson, Executive Support Councillor for Highways, has put out a video explaining what is happening, why the works are needed and what road users can expect over the coming weeks.

A county council spokesperson confirmed that pedestrians coming from Mareham Lane will be able to cross the Southgate level crossing on foot throughout the works – it will only be closed to vehicles.

However it has been revealed that the level crossing is only scheduled to be in place for five weeks, starting from Monday July 13, to allow for contractors to work on the junction and lights.

Those needing to get to GP appointments in the town centre from Mareham Lane by car can still turn down London Road, join the A15 at Silk Willoughby, head up to Holdingham Roundabout and down Lincoln Road.

The spokesperson added: “Resurfacing works will be done in phases, so residents in the estates will have access to Grantham Road. For example, when resurfacing along Grantham Road, when Clay Hill Road is closed, Rookery Avenue will be opened for access to Grantham Road. Similarly, when resurfacing moves along and Rookery Avenue is closed, Clay Hill Road will be opened.

“Residents on the estates on the southern half of Grantham Road (Ancaster Drive, etc) can all access and exit their properties using London Road.” They would then need to join the A15 to get into town.

The level crossing at King Edward Street has been closed for work by Network Rail, but it will be open in time for the resurfacing works, he said, but for resident access only to the estates.

“Anyone else will be directed to follow the diversion via Holdingham Roundabout and Lincoln Road into Sleaford town centre."

The four phases have been outlined on a map for residents showing sections of the road that would be closed at night or day time for one or two weeks each, gradually working from west to east throughout July and August.