Draft Transport Strategy for Sleaford, includes a bypass, a link road and a dual-carriage A17.
There's also proposed improvements for cycling and walking networks, bus reliability and congestion.
A number of transport proposals have been put forward for Sleaford.
Amongst short term goals there are several major works which could be explored and potentially bring huge changes to the road network.
“In an ideal world we’d be, you know, building dual carriageways and having more substantial improvements.”
Lincolnshire County Councillor and executive for highways and transport, Richard Davies, says improvements are hoped to be made for all aspects of transport:
“Well, I mean, as an authority we spend about £74 million a year on the road, there’s always lots going on.
“We’ve got projects across the county, some big some small. We’re looking, particularly in the Sleaford and North Hykeham area, we’re looking at bringing forward the North Hykeham relief road, that’s a big capital strategy.
“But at the same time, we we’ve got lots of minor improvements, our big focus is constantly on trying to maintain the network, you know, fill the potholes, stop the roads deteriorating. But with limited money and limited resources coming through from national government, and as well as some quite painful decisions they’ve made, in terms of things like white diesel, that’s proving increasingly difficult to do.”
A bypass, a link road and a dual-carriage A17 have been spoken about,
The Lincolnshire County Council report says that the A17, single carriageway portion is liable to congestion, which slows business and infuriates drivers.
The single lane portion of the A17 is also significantly more dangerous than the double lane areas, with six fatal accidents in the last five years.
“Statistically, drivers are three times more likely to be in a fatal or serious accident on a single carriageway than on a dual carriageway, so dualling this road could decrease road deaths,” the report says.
The draft strategy also raises the prospect of a link road to help drivers get to the town centre, bridging East Gate to Boston Road.
“Currently for drivers, it is an 800m journey to get from Lafford Terrace on Eastgate to the Leisure Centre on Boston Road, despite these locations being 100m apart,” it says.
“Building a road and bridge between these locations could have a number of potential benefits, such as faster journey times on the proposed route and through the Town Centre, creating better access for developments close to the link, with the potential for new businesses opening.”
All ideas are currently subject to feasibility studies to determine whether improved journey times and congestion would be worth the cost and environmental impact.
The report was endorsed by North Kesteven District Council’s Executive Board, and will be used to shape the future of travel until 2036.
North Kesteven District Council Leader Councillor Richard Wright said: “Our Executive Board has agreed to endorse the current draft version of the refreshed Sleaford Transport Strategy, which is being shaped by Lincolnshire County Council, as part of our continued engagement in it as a key partner and stakeholder.
“Refreshing the strategy presents an opportunity to build on the previous Sleaford Transport Strategy which dates from 2015, and take into account the changes which have occurred since then including projects now delivered plus our own renewed and urgent focus on climate and the role that key interventions such as reducing congestion and enabling more active travel can play.
“The draft as it stands provides a positive and wide-ranging strategy setting out a number of potential interventions and opportunities to improve transport to and from, as well as within and across Sleaford and its surrounding villages. We’ll engage with the county council as the strategy continues to be developed and finalised.”
The document also lays out plans to improve Sleaford’s cycling and walking network, increase bus service reliability and enable motorists to switch to electric vehicles.
There are also hopes to improve ‘pinch points’ junctions and the location of car parking.