A160 upgrade work could start before 2015
THE long-awaited A160 upgrade could begin within the next three years – after preliminary work on the scheme was given the go ahead.
Roads Minister Mike Penning announced that funding has been made available for development work on the scheme, which links the A180 with the port of Immingham, the area's oil refineries and Able UK's proposed marine energy park.
-
BALL IS ROLLING: Work on the A160 from the A180 to Immingham heading east towards from the Brocklesby interchange could begin within the next three years.
The work is expected to include detailed design and order preparation, including compulsory purchase orders and public inquiries.
It means that the scheme is more likely to be given the go ahead by Ministers in the early years of the next spending review period, which begins in mid 2015.
Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk
View detailsOur heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.
Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk
Contact: 01858 468192
Valid until: Sunday, June 30 2013
As reported, fears have been raised previously that the start date for the scheme could be pushed back by three years to 2018 – unless the Government committed to providing funding for this essential preparatory work.
There were also concerns late last year the A160/A180 upgrade had hit the buffers after being omitted from a list of major road projects given the funding go-ahead by the Department for Transport.
The latest development has been welcomed by Neil Etherington, Able UK's Group Development Director, who described it as "very good news indeed" for the area.
He said: "It is a shot in the arm for the increasing number of companies – including ourselves – who are looking to invest on the South Humber Bank."
As reported, covering more than 800 acres, Able Marine Energy Park will involve the construction of more than 1,300 metres of new quays and has the potential to make a huge contribution to establishing the Humber as a world leader in the development of renewable energy technologies.
Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers also said it was a positive step for the Able UK development.
The Conservative MP said: "Obviously I whole-heartedly welcome this funding.
"The Government has given previous assurances on this scheme, but this funding shows a clear intention to bring forward this vital upgrade as part of an early tranche of investments post 2015.
"The important thing has always been that the upgrade of the A160/A180 happens in parallel with, or preferably in advance of, the Able UK development and this shows that the Government has been listening to my representations on this issue."
Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Councillor Chris Shaw (Lab, Sidney Sussex) said the news could only prove beneficial for the area's job hunters.
He said: "That is really good news for this area and will mean more jobs for North East Lincolnshire.
"The Able development is right next door to North East Lincolnshire and we are fully supportive of it."
Comments
by reaper_grim
Thursday, May 10 2012, 7:41AM
“its titled 'UPGRADE' that could be just a tarmac surface, as the current concrete one I recall from the 70's justed to have signs at the roadside saying 'experimental road surface'!
Dualling it, got idea, but will it then see the interchange being downgraded to only an exit onto the A180 westbound, as it will be a mamouth/expensive task to dual this bit both ways.”
by Ash27
Wednesday, May 09 2012, 10:07PM
“Gy-pete, I saw the outline proposals for this about a year ago and they said it was needed as they expected a 20 to 25% increase in traffic volume to and from the docks. Obviously some would be towards Grimsby especially at peak times with workers traveling home but the bulk of it should be westward along the A180. Hope this answers your query.”
by Gy_Pete
Wednesday, May 09 2012, 8:29PM
“Great to see this going ahead but shame it will all stop, once it joins the A180.
Lorries racing each other at the same speed for 3 miles up to Barnetby Top, is not going to help like it was for me today!
Also increased traffic from the proposed Able development will surely choke the A180? has any thought been done on this increase in traffic, as I must admit I have not read anything about the increased traffic impact?”
by theprof1951
Wednesday, May 09 2012, 12:37PM
“why isn't the money being used to repair existing roads? this money belongs to taxpayers and is being used to benefit big business. take a drive along the A18 past the keelby junction or through keelby or laceby villages and see ( feel ) where the money should be spent”
by resnonverba
Wednesday, May 09 2012, 12:34PM
“Deeds not words, heard it all before”
by ukchrisuk
Wednesday, May 09 2012, 12:00PM
“Its been pulled once before, bet it happens again!”
by SirMoanalot
Wednesday, May 09 2012, 9:54AM
“Good news that this finally looks like it will happen. The ongoing charade with this and lowering Humber Bridge tolls was getting ridiculous.”