Spalding’s A16 Springfields roundabout subject of debate as residents voice concerns about current works

Residents have expressed their agreement with a coach driver’s concerns about a town’s roundabout that is currently undergoing work.

John Fisher, from Swaton, fears there will be ‘one hell of an accident’ using the Springfields roundabout on the A16 in Spalding - which is half way through a 12-month upgrade as part of a £20 million Levelling Up scheme.

Lincolnshire County Council has acknowledged some ‘near misses’ as there appears to be confusion, especially travelling from Holbeach to Spalding, where many motorists may have missed signs outlining that the left lane is for left turns only.

Mr Fisher’s comments prompted a big response on social media.

Nicky Taylor-Avon said: “People are ignoring the road signs, mainly by those that are ignorantly using the left lane as it is shorter.

“I've nearly come a cropper a couple of times.

“It would be better if there were bollards to filter them off but not sure if there is enough room for that.

“Unfortunately the mentally of a fair few people is to use roundabouts as a means to race round vehicles to get that little bit extra in front.”

Council bosses recently outlined the plans to continue laying the new road surface, culvert construction as well as drainage and earthworks in the northwest corner.

Lucy Jerwood said: “It’s total mayhem.

“No one is following the lane signs.

“People drive in the turn left lane and then go straight on instead of turning left and cut up the car in the correct lane next to them nearly causing an accident.

“I’ve seen loads of cars in the wrong lane almost get squished by HGVs they have cut up on that roundabout.”

Ongoing traffic restrictions include 24/7 barriers at the roundabout, with the current two-lane entries and single-lane exits, ongoing narrowed roundabout lanes and 24/7 barriers at the roundabout, with the current two-lane entries and single-lane exits.

Dan Bateman said: “I agree it’s poorly laid out and when completed is going to have questionable benefit as all roads that feed it are still single carriageway.

“But the problem also lies with people not understanding the Highway Code on roundabouts.”

The Levelling Up scheme has also this week led to the eight-week closure of the road leading from the B1180 ‘Greencell roundabout’ towards Pinchbeck, which sparked traffic issues on the first morning as motorists were diverted through Pinchbeck and Surfleet.

Maisie Alexander said: “Spalding is a major transport hub throughout this country and something needs to be done about getting these work’s completed sooner.

“Closing the Pinchbeck roundabout (access road for eight weeks) at the same time is madness.”

Lincolnshire County Council highlighted that each roundabout approach has signage showing the temporary lane discipline to follow.

Neil Oakman said: “I don't use this roundabout very often but have had two near misses with other drivers getting in the wrong lane.

“It's exactly the same as the Sutterton roundabout.

“Drivers don't look at the signs and are trying to use lanes which are counterintuitive.”

Lincolnshire County Council has urged drivers ‘to take note of and follow the yellow and black road signs indicating correct lane designations. This will help ensure the safety of everyone using the roundabout.’

What are your thoughts? Post your comments below.