National Highways confirms 'life-extending works' on A180
The North Lincolnshire road is expected to be repaired in the first half of 2024
Last updated 6th Jul 2024
“Life-extending works” are expected to take place on the A180 in the first half of 2024, National Highways has confirmed.
Ulceby Road Safety Group have reiterated calls for the A180 to be upgraded to a motorway with a hard shoulder, in response to indications the concrete surface stretch will be replaced. At the least, they have asked for a robust traffic management plan in place during resurfacing works, fearful of the impact on the village road.
They also asked for a meeting with National Highways, Martin Vickers MP and North Lincolnshire Council. As well as indicating a willingness to meet, National Highways has said A180 repairs are anticipated in 2024.
“Safety is always our number one priority,” said National Highways project manager Sujad Hussain. “We’ve remained in regular contact with the Ulceby Road Safety Group, as well as Martin Vickers MP and local councillors, to discuss safety on the A180, and would welcome the opportunity for a meeting to discuss future plans.
“We always listen to our stakeholders and take on board any feedback to improve our routes. We’re in the process of designing a programme of life-extending works on the A180, including repairs, which we anticipate will start in the first half of 2024.
“This is in its early stages, but we are keen to work in partnership with Ulceby Road Safety Group, North East Lincolnshire Council, residents and other key stakeholders to create a safer and smoother route while making sure any traffic management keeps disruption to residents to a minimum. We will also remain in contact with our stakeholders around longer-term future plans.
“Anyone who would like to get in touch with us about the A180, and any future schemes, is more than welcome to do so.” Ulceby Road Safety Group leading member Stuart Smith contacted the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) after a previous article on Martin Vickers’ hopes scrapped HS2 cash will go towards the A180 resurfacing.
Calls for A180 upgrade
He called again for the A180 to be upgraded. “Our idea is to push the government and saying this is going to be a bigger job than anticipated and make it a motorway standard.” While the resurfacing was an improvement, “that’s not going to stop being killed”. Mr Smith reported there had been 19 deaths on the road since 1983.
He argued for the A180 upgrade in view of the growth of Immingham and Grimsby port-related business. “With the dock situation growing,” he said, mentioning for example the new hydrogen plant, “the traffic’s just going to increase. The actual A180 road is getting to saturation point.”
He wanted to see a scheme similar to works completed on the A14 to Felixstowe, which he described as “a fantastic job” by National Highways. Mr Smith also suggested port authorities could help contribute to costs for an upgrade. “If they want to expand like they’re doing, industry should help to finance the problem they’ve created.”
At the least, the safety group wants a plan to stop resurfacing work causing traffic problems in Ulceby. “We want to make sure that there’s a robust traffic plan in place to stop the traffic coming through Ulceby village.” To that end, and to make the case for the road upgrade, the group wants to sit down with National Highways, Mr Vickers and North Lincolnshire Council, who own the village road.
Mr Smith added an ongoing 18 month trial of a seven and a half tonne HGV limit in most cases going through the village had made a significant difference.
Cold water poured on motorway upgrade any time soon
Mr Vickers said he supported an upgrade but did not think it would be possible for years yet. “I support the principle of an upgrade, but the reality is that’s many, many years into the future.” It would need to get into the National Highways programme, which would take time.
“Let’s achieve in the short-term what we can,” he said, adding the resurfacing had been delayed for two to three years already. On the idea of a port contribution to costs, Mr Vickers said: “As for a contribution from the ports, obviously it would be welcome, but if you’re looking for an upgrade into motorway status, you’re talking about tens of millions of pounds.”
He agreed a traffic management plan was “absolutely essential” for the resurfacing works. But he indicated it would be more up to National Highways and the council as the bodies responsible for the roads, adding he was sure they would want to get bodies like the parish council involved.