Reform says North Hykeham Relief Road still on cards

The North Hykeham Relief Road promises to link the A46 Pennells Roundabout with the Lincoln Eastern Bypass at the A15 Sleaford Roundabout (Image: LCC)

The £200m project is waiting for government approval, but the county council say they still back it.

Reform leaders have confirmed they remain committed to plans for the £200 million North Hykeham Relief Road. The landmark project is scheduled to start construction later this year if the government keeps its promise to provide the majority of the funding.

Conservative Councillor Tom Dyer, who represents part of the area where it would be built, had asked the incoming Lincolnshire County Council leader whether the party would hold their end of the bargain. It was previously agreed that the council would provide £90m towards the project through borrowing.

In a letter to new leader Councillor Sean Matthews, Cllr Dyer said: "The North Hykeham Relief Road was a key priority of the previous Conservative administration. I noted that during the election campaign, Reform UK raised concerns about the council's borrowing - much of which supports essential infrastructure such as roads, schools and other capital projects.

"Is your administration fully committed to delivering the relief road as planned by the previous administration?

"I have always viewed this project as a cross-party initiative. Its benefits will be felt across the greater Lincoln area, positively impacting areas represented by councillors from all parties."

n response, Cllr Matthews said: “We're still waiting for a decision by the Department for Transport for them to reaffirm their commitment to the North Hykeham Relief Road.

"From our perspective, although the political leadership of the council may have changed, the view of the council has not, and we fully recognise the importance of the road in supporting the growth of the area, and keeping the county moving. As such, the council is continuing to progress with the scheme, as before.”

The previous Conservative government had pledged £110 million, but the Labour administration ordered a review of major highways projects after taking power. Previous highways bosses warned it would be "dead in the water" if the government pulled funding.

The project would complete a ring road around Lincoln, connecting the eastern bypass with the A46 Pennells roundabout. New roundabouts would be built at South Hykeham Road, Brant Road and Grantham Road.

If construction starts on time, it is expected to be opened by late 2028, and is set to significantly improve congestion in the south of the city.