A top delegation saw progress on Scunthorpe’s new £4.5m motorway infrastructure scheme as contractors ramp up construction of the new M181 roundabout.
The new development will unlock 60 acres of land for commercial development, enable the building of new homes and ease congestion in Scunthorpe, particularly at Berkeley Circle. Contractors Esh Construction updated Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, local MPs Holly Mumby-Croft (Scunthorpe) and Andrew Percy (Brigg & Goole) together with Pat Doody, the chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP (GLLEP).
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.
The £4.5m scheme has been funded by Government cash through the GLLEP as part of its plans to grow Lincolnshire’s economy.
Later in the year another roundabout built by Highways England at the northern end of the M181 connecting it to Burringham Road. This new junction will also act as a bypass for Burringham village. The M181 will then be detrunked and will no longer be a motorway.
Steven Conn, Esh Construction Divisional Director, said:
“Esh is extremely pleased to be working for North Lincolnshire Council to deliver this important road improvement scheme as part of the wider future new development works.”
Cllr Rob Waltham, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said:
“I am delighted that work has really kicked off on the £4.5m scheme that will unlock land for development to transform North Lincolnshire’s economy and at the same time ease congestion.
“This investment in the infrastructure will provide the green light for the Lincolnshire Lakes development as a whole. Lincolnshire Lakes is a game changer for North Lincolnshire’s economy and will be a catalyst for the regeneration of the area.
“The new junction will also ease congestion in North Lincolnshire, particularly at Berkeley Circle.
“Now is the right time to invest in the infrastructure of the area – building for the future, promoting growth, and protecting jobs in the construction industry.”
Pat Doody chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP said:
“At this difficult time with the impacts of Covid 19 being felt worldwide it is vital that that we continue to invest in the UK’s core infrastructure to open up key strategic sites.
“LEP funding of this crucial junction scheme will ultimately enable development of new employment and significant levels of housing for Scunthorpe in partnership with Homes England, but will also contribute to the wider Place and its economic recovery.”
The work will take 48 weeks and is being carried out by Esh Construction. Procedures are in place to ensure they work safely in the current environment.
