A key milestone for North Lincolnshire’s ambitious £4.5m motorway infrastructure scheme has been reached with traffic now diverted around the new road layout.
The new junction, the first development of the motorway network in North Lincolnshire since the M181 was opened in 1978, will connect to a new east to west link road between the M181 and Scotter Road.
Work has progressed rapidly on the project, which will unlock 60 acres of land for commercial development and enable the building of new homes and reduce congestion at Berkeley Circle.
Traffic was diverted around the new roundabout in the early hours of Monday 22 February and Monday 1 March, following surfacing works being completed during weekend closures.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said:
“It’s fantastic to see work driving forward on the new junction.
“The ambitious motorway infrastructure scheme will not only ease congestion in surrounding areas, particularly at Berkeley Circle, it will also provide the green light for the development of new housing and new business space.
“The Government continues to inject millions of pounds of cash into the area, backing our bold vision for the future of North Lincolnshire. This investment is a huge boost to the economy, creating and improving access to even more sustainable, well-paid jobs.
“While we are not out of the pandemic just yet, there is light at the end of the tunnel. By investing in infrastructure and continuing to grow the economy, we can help ensure that North Lincolnshire re-emerges in the fast lane.”
Steve Conn, Divisional Director at Esh Construction, who are carrying out the works, said:
“We are delighted to achieve this key milestone for the new M181 Northern Junction with traffic now being directed around the new roundabout.
“The project delivery team have made excellent progress on the development by working in collaboration to manage the difficulties faced by the pandemic.
“The next phase of construction will see work undertaken to the existing central reserve with the forming of traffic islands, landscaping, surfacing, erection of signage and lighting.”
The £4.5m scheme has been funded by Government cash through the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (GLLEP) as part of its plans to grow Lincolnshire’s economy and joins a long line of exciting projects to receive support.
Pat Doody, Chair of the GLLEP, said:
“The LEP’s £4.5m investment in this highly strategic junction will enable a significant amount of housing and employment growth for Scunthorpe, creating a new sustainably focused extension to the town and the opportunity for commercial investment in some of our key sectors, particularly advanced manufacturing.”
In the chancellor’s budget, it was confirmed that Scunthorpe will receive Government cash to transform the heart of the town centre. The investment will see the former market site completely redeveloped as well as the construction of an attractive urban park at Church Square, benefitting visitors to Scunthorpe Central Library, 20-21 Visual Arts Centre and UTC students.
Work is expected to be completed on the roundabout by May, with further works to replace signage on the M181 and at Frodingham roundabout to be finalised by June. Covid-secure working practices and procedures are in place to ensure work is carried out safely in the current circumstances.
