Date set for installation of puffin crossing outside Holbeach school which received ‘large number of objections’… public warned of overnight closures

Works to build a new puffin crossing which received ‘a large number of objections’ on a busy town road will get underway soon.

The five-week project will be part of a £3.8 million improvement scheme and will include overnight closures and temorary traffic lights.

Plans to construct the crossing outside of the William Stukeley Primary School in Holbeach were passed by Lincolnshire County Council in June.

However, a number of locals and businesses had complained that the accompanying zigzag markings would reduce the number of parking spots along the road.

The authority have announced work will get underway next month.

“Our Community Crossing Initiative, which will see twelve new pedestrian crossings built throughout the county, is full steam ahead. And one of the next crossings to be built will be on Spalding Road in Holbeach,” said Cllr Richard Davies, executive member for highways, said:

“The five-week project will see six new traffic signal heads installed, along with new tactile paving and new road surfacing laid.

“These works will no doubt cause some minor disruption, but our team will do all they can to get the new crossing built as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

Coun Tracey Carter, who represents the town on LCC, said: “I’m really happy to see this much-needed scheme coming to fruition. Parents have been calling for this crossing to be built for years following a number of near misses nearby.

“When built, it will definitely increase safety for schoolchildren, parents and others on this busy road where the school is somewhat hidden, leading to some people drive faster than they should near a school.”

Reports showed that an average of more than 500 cars use the road each hour, and that the school had struggled to recruit a crossing warden.

Work wil commence on Monday, August 19 for up to five weeks, with temporary traffic signals from 9am to 6pm on weekdays.

A four-night road closure will be required to lay the final road surfacing at the start of September (7pm-6am), with a diversion route via Boston Road South / A17 / A151 Welbourne Lane South, and vice versa.

This project is part of the ongoing Community Crossing Initiative, which will see more than ten pedestrian crossings built throughout the county.

The initiative will cost £3.8 million, with £1.5 million earmarked by Executive in 2023 and the remaining coming from a combination of additional county council funding and developer contributions.