A controversial road closure that’s ran more than six weeks over schedule has finally been lifted.
Surfleet Road in Pinchbeck is now clear, road users say, after being closed since it was shut on January 5.
The closure of the road was controversial from the start as Burmor Construction were given permission to install a new sewer main to its development its currently building.
It’s led to a number of businesses speaking out about the effect it has had on them as well as members of the public facing large diversions.
Many ignored signposted diversions along the A16 which led to those other roads being closed as well.
The initial permission for closure granted by Lincolnshire County Council was for nine weeks. The authority then extended it by two more weeks after Burmor said the works had been affected by the weather.
The county council refused subsequent requests for the closure order to be extended and is fining the company £2,000 a day for keeping it closed.
Anglian Water blamed Burmor for damaging the sewer mains and had to pump out sewage from a street nearby.
Finally, today Wednesday, April 22, over 15 weeks after it closed, the road opened again, Lincolnshire County Council have confirmed
It’s posted a video with Ashley Behan its transport manager on social media: “I’m really pleased to announce the road is open.
“Traffic is running through it which is great to see.
“I’d like to thank everyone for all of their patience, communication and feedback we’ve received throughout the closure period.
“I fully appreciate it has gone on for too long but I’m please it’s now open.
“I know people in the community are interested in hearing about the fine we’ve levied because the works have overrun.
“It’s something we need to discuss with Burmor, with councillors and once we can provide an update we will give you some more information.”
A later statement from Mr Behan said: “We’re really pleased to see the road now fully reopened and traffic moving through as normal. We know how important this route is for local residents, businesses and anyone travelling through the area, so getting it safely back open has been a priority.
“These works have taken longer than originally planned and I’m sorry for the disruption and frustration this has caused. We understand the impact prolonged roadworks have, and I’d like to thank residents, businesses and road users for their patience while the issues on site were resolved.
“Since re-opening, the completed works have been inspected by our officers and the overall quality of the surfacing and reinstatement looks to meet the standards we expect. While the road itself is open and available for full use, there are still a number of temporary traffic management signs and associated equipment that need to be removed. Teams are on site today carrying out this work, and it won’t affect people using the road.
“In relation to the overrun, the county council will be applying a fine in line with our street works regulations. These processes need to be completed properly, and discussions will take place with the contractor and councillors before any further details are confirmed.”
