THE £6.3 million scheme to build the A18/A180 link road is on track to start in the spring of next year, with completion by the summer of 2014.

As reported, the link road will provide a more direct southern access to the port of Immingham for the strategic movement of agricultural and industrial products from rural Lincolnshire.

It will also remove HGV traffic from Immingham and Stallingborough, reducing noise and safety impacts of dock traffic on the local communities and resolve air quality issues attributable to vehicle movements, by improving access to the eastern entrance of the port.

A significant amount of work has already been completed, and is continuing.

Councillor Chris Shaw, leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: "I am extremely pleased that proposals for the A18/A180 link road are progressing on schedule following the Government's announcement last November that it would fund the greater majority of the road's cost.

"The council, with its strategic partner Balfour Beatty, worked hard to achieve this success in what was a competitive process.

"The local buy-in to the project and the financial commitment made by Immingham Town Council was key to this success, as was the commitment from Hargreaves Services and Able UK.

"I look forward to the benefits that this road will bring, both for Immingham residents, by taking heavy goods vehicles away from homes, and for Immingham Port through the improved route it will deliver."

Jason Longhurst, head of development, said: "We are now entering an important phase of detailed negotiations with the owners of the land involved,

"We must do all of this before we can submit to, and obtain, final approval from the Government to allow the project's earmarked money to be released."

Immingham Town Council leader councillor Dave Watson said: "We fully understand that it can't happen overnight, but we are delighted that it is going ahead.

"It is also nice to know that the funds we have committed to the scheme were instrumental in the success of the application. And, again, it demonstrates the value of having a town council that works well with the parent authority.

"Once the heavy lorries are removed from Pelham Road, everyone in the town will benefit."

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