'Great progress' being made on project to improve major road near Boston; work planned for town route this summer
‘Great progress’ is being made on a project to improve a stretch of major road near Boston, with work planned for part of the town this summer.
The scheme is taking place on the A17 between the Bicker Bar roundabout and the junction of Hipper Lane, near Wigtoft.
It will involve a total of 13,000 tonnes of new road surfacing laid.
Coun David East, executive councillor for highways, said: “Since starting on-site four weeks ago, we’ve made great progress on the A17 in Bicker.
“In fact, we’ve already excavated over 6,800 tonnes of the A17 just past and have laid over 3,800 tonnes of new road material where we’ve excavated.
“Luckily, we’ve had a really good stretch of dry weather which has meant the on-site team has been able to work without issue since breaking ground four weeks ago.”
The works are due to continue for nine more weeks.
This will include measures to improve safety and visibility at the Mill Lane junction by re-aligning the existing layout and introducing a right-turn lane for vehicles heading onto the B1181.
Works are currently being carried out overnight on weekdays to minimise disruption for road users as much as possible.
A 16-mile division is in place along the A52 and A16, via the Liquorpond Street roundabout in Boston.
The Standard asked the county council about reports of HGVs not using the diversion.
A spokesman for the authority said signage has been placed highlighting the diversion route.
Each report, they continued, was being reviewed on a case-by-case basis; where appropriate, additional signage was being added, including 'Unsuitable for HGVs' signs.
Residents wanting to report issues relating to vehicles passing through the village are encouraged to contact the county council via the details provided in the letter received in April 2026, the spokesman added.
During a recent night-time site visit, local county councillors joined highways officers and contractors to observe the operation in action.
Coun Paul Lock, member for Boston Rural, said: “It was a real privilege to visit the site and see first-hand the scale of the work taking place on the A17. We were more than impressed by the hard work going into making the project a success.
“The technology and machinery being used are also incredibly impressive, and it was amazing to see how quickly and efficiently the teams are able to remove old road material and replace it with new surfacing in such a short space of time.
“What stood out most was the professionalism and dedication shown by everyone involved. Carrying these works out overnight helps keep disruption to a minimum during the day, allowing local people and businesses to continue using this vital route with as little interruption as possible.”
Coun Michael Cheyne, county councillor for Boston West, added: “We know there’s still more work to do across the county’s road network, but it’s encouraging to see the progress being made on major schemes like this.
“These improvements will make a real difference to the condition and safety of this section of the A17, and I’d like to thank everyone working on-site for their continued hard work.”
Coun Lock added: “On behalf of residents and motorists across Lincolnshire, I’d like to thank the workforce for their commitment and the excellent progress being made. We’re looking forward to travelling on this completed section of A17 very soon.”
The project is the first of more than 15 projects that form part of Lincolnshire County Council’s £12 million 2026/27 Strategic Route Surfacing (SRS) programme.
Coun East said: “Our annual SRS programme is very different to the pothole repairs and patching works people see taking place across the county every day. These are major projects focused on maintaining and improving some of Lincolnshire’s most important roads, with an end goal of ensuring they remain safe, resilient and reliable for years to come.
“This year alone, we’re investing £12 million into these routes because they are critical to how people live, work and travel across Lincolnshire.
“Maintaining our strategic road network is about far more than simply keeping traffic moving. These roads are vital for connecting communities; ensuring reliable access for local businesses, including freight and agriculture; improving access to jobs, education and healthcare; and helping attract investment into the county.
“Ultimately, a reliable and well-maintained road network plays a major role in supporting Lincolnshire’s economy, prosperity and quality of life. By investing now, we’re helping ensure the county remains connected, competitive and fit for future growth.”
Some of the other upcoming projects scheduled for this summer as part of this financial year’s SRS programme are:
- A151 Bourne Road roundabouts, in Colsterworth
- Tritton Road, University roundabout, Rope Walk and Brayford Wharf, in Lincoln
- B1517 Grantham Road, in Sleaford
- Main Road, in Anwick
- Great Northern Gyratory, in Grantham
- A1031, in North Cotes
- Freiston Road, in Boston
- A15, in Folkingham
Dates and details for each individual scheme will be shared closer to the time, the county council says.