£10m plans to fix congested Nettleham roundabout move closer to approval

If you have ever sat in a queue at the A46 Nettleham roundabout wondering when it will ever move, the council has some news for you. It is only going to get worse, unless something is done.

Lincolnshire County Council is pushing forward with a £9.7m plan to overhaul the roundabout, making it less congested and safer for people on foot and by bike.

The improvements would add extra lanes and build a 30-metre footbridge over the junction, connecting Lincoln with Nettleham village.

The roundabout is already struggling. At peak times, queues back up on every approach, often stretching all the way to the Riseholme Road roundabout on the A15. The council says the situation has got worse since the Lincoln Eastern Bypass opened, and warns it will worsen further once the North Hykeham Relief Road is complete, as both roads push more traffic through this junction.

For pedestrians and cyclists, the crossing is already considered sub-standard. There are serious safety concerns about conditions there right now.

Residents in Nettleham have welcomed the plans. Chris Williams, who has lived in the village for 39 years, said he once walked regularly into Lincoln but would not consider crossing the roundabout today.

"Cars come off there at horrible speed," he said. "The footbridge will be crucial for the village, and will encourage people to walk across again."

Councillor Martin Christopher, who represents the nearby St Giles ward, said the scheme would also benefit Lincoln residents. "It will give Lincoln people a connection to the countryside, and help the growing numbers commuting into the city as more homes are built in that area. It's similar to the one built over the A46 towards Cherry Willingham, which is well used."

Around a third of the cost would come from devolution funding.

The project goes before the council's highways and transport committee this Friday. A final decision is expected before the end of June. If approved, a planning application would follow in August, with construction due to start in spring 2027 and take around a year to complete.