Pinchbeck and Surfleet councillor hopes that level of traffic diverted from A16 may ease during school summer holidays

A councillor is hopeful that heavy volumes of traffic travelling through two villages may ease a little when the schools break up.

Motorists have experienced long queues in Pinchbeck as a result of an eight-week road closure which began on Monday.

A short section of the B1180 — technically West Marsh Road — is closed between the A16 and the roundabout near the power station as part of the ongoing A16 roundabout redevelopment.

Traffic that would usually come off the A16 at the B1180 ‘Grencell roundabout’ to get to the Wardentree Lane area is being diverted through Surfleet and Pinchbeck as a result, with long queues experienced in the mornings in particular. This morning (Wednesday) Spalding bound traffic was queued back to the roundabout outside Pinchbeck Church at 7.45am — with tailbacks reportedly stretching further during the rush hour period.

Residents have also reported traffic ignoring the 20 mph limit in place while loose chippings settle on the road through Pinchbeck.

Coun James Avery, who represents Pinchbeck and Surfleet on South Holland District Council, said: “We are experiencing more heavy vehicles coming through Pinchbeck, and a lot more vehicles in general. Obviously for residents commuting between Pinchbeck and Spalding, and vice versa, their journeys are taking a great deal longer.

“One would hope these levels of traffic and journey times reduce somewhat when the schools break up this week.

“Given the location of the roundabout, and the engineering works involved, it’s difficult to suggest if highways had alternative options. It is what it is.”

Schools break up for their six-week summer holidays this week.

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