Early start for bypass

May Gurney began work on the Burgh le Marsh bypass on 4 September under the Lincolnshire County Council major schemes framework - more than 18 months earlier than originally expected.

As a result of the early start, he new road could be open to traffic in early 2008 - giving a boost to residents before the Easter holiday, and helping reduce traffic congestion and accidents in the town.

To mark the start of work on the scheme, a sod-cutting ceremony took place to the east of Burgh le Marsh Village on 29 August.

Steve Jagger, Managing Director for Infrastructure Services, said: "Our main aim is to construct the bypass ahead of time and within the budget - but at the same time safely and in partnership with the local community."

May Gurney was also responsible for the Partney Bypass in Lincolnshire, which was completed three months ahead of schedule.

The scheme had originally been allocated a March 2008 start date, but Lincolnshire County Council successfully lobbied for an earlier date. The Government has now given full approval to the £15m scheme and is providing a £13.5m grant towards the cost.

Once completed, the two-lane, all-purpose carriageway will run for three miles to the north of the town. It will follow a route from (in the west) just south-east of the A158/C541 junction down to (in the east) the existing A158 west of Lyndhurst Garden Centre.

Councillor William Webb, Executive Councillor for Highways said: "The bypass will reduce journey times to the coast, especially at peak holiday times, as well as enhancing the quality of life for residents. It will help support the regeneration of coastal resorts, as well as providing traffic relief for thousands of visitors.

"The news is a great boost to Lincolnshire, which had to compete against schemes from all over the East Midlands, including those promoted by the Highways Agency."

Councillor Neil Cooper, local County Councillor for Wainfleet and Burgh, added: "The coming of the Burgh le Marsh bypass has been on people's lips since the 1930s. The approval of the scheme is a tribute to the partnership working where local people in the action group have supported the County Council in lobbying the Government for release of the funding.

"This is good news for the people of Burgh le Marsh, but we must not forget the traders who will now desperately need everyone's support."