‘Waste of money!’ ‘Absolute disaster!’ ‘More dangerous!’ Readers react to revamped Springfields Roundabout on A16 at Spalding

Work lasting 14-months on a busy A16 roundabout was completed this week… but many road users and pedestrians aren’t impressed.

Spalding’s Springfields Roundabout, which links the A-road with the B1165, became fully functional on Tuesday (November 12) following the widening project, part of £20 million Levelling Up improvements for the area. This includes Pinchbeck’s Greencell Roundabout and the Marsh Lane Roundabout at Boston.

However, residents have labelled the job a ‘waste of money’, an ‘absolute disaster’ as well as raising a series of health and safety concerns.

They should have had slip lanes at each junction so if you were turning left you could flow straight into the lane,” suggested Gav Smith.

“It will make zero difference to the old one.”

Reader Katie Lane labelled the new-look roundabout a ‘waste of money’, arguing the additional lanes overcomplicate the roundabout, comparing it to the revamped Sutterton roundabout, which many users are not keen on.

Darren Thompson said it was an ‘absolute disaster’.

Original plans included a footbridge across the A16 to the nearby McDonald’s restaurant.

This idea was scrapped due to costs, but as the eaterie proves popular with youngsters who have to cross on foot and bikes, many locals were disappointed not to see it built.

“With a budget like that to ‘improve’ it would have been nice to include a safe crossing for those who walk to McDonald’s,” Alice Linger said.

“It would be nice if councillors could remember that not everyone drives.”

Stewart Elderkin added: “It is far from ‘completed’. Where is the three-metre wide pedestrian/cycling bridge on the north side of the roundabout connecting the existing shared use cycleway along the A151? It was in the original bid for funding.”

Ben Sear was in agreement.

“From the perspective of a pedestrian or cyclist, it's now even more dangerous to cross,” he said.

“For instance, if you are heading from Springfields side to McDonalds side, you now have two lanes to cross, then three.

“What adds to the danger is the fact that because these lanes are now wider, drivers seem to be travelling faster at the roundabout exit and I'm sure that when not so busy, they will be entering the roundabout faster too.

“This site really needed the pedestrian footbridge or at a minimum, signals on the crossing points.”

Trisha Tricks added: “Don’t see no crossing for pedestrians to cross over, see an accident happening here.”

Richard Bloy and Robert Fogg both suggested one-way in and out roads to McDonald’s and the adjacent filling station - similar to the entrance and exit at the Sutterton roundabout - would have avoided problems motorists face turning right back towards the roundabout on a stretch of road with regular tailbacks.

Motorists have also raised safety concerns.

“The lanes are really are not very nice to drive,” said Sherelee Savage, who added the two-lane roads leading off the roundabout merge into one lane ‘far too quickly’.

Paul Ramage labelled the changes a ‘nightmare for trucks’.

“It's now become a much faster roundabout,” he said.

“Improved signage, ie much larger signs with more notice, would help with all the last-minute lane changing and poor lane discipline.”

Hopefully some of these issues are down to drivers getting to grips with the changes, but driver error concerns were also raised.

“Be OK if everyone uses the correct lanes... I foresee lots of crashes,” said Alan Richards.

Neil Oakman said: “Just need to teach road users on the A16 how to use roundabouts now.”

But not everyone is against the revamped roundabout.

“I think it's flowing better and less traffic at peak times like 8am and 5pm,” said Karl Garfoot.

“It will be good when the other one is finished too. Not sure why there are so many negative comments.”

Trevor Thorley added: “Looks good and easy to use.”

After more than a year of delays at the roundabout due to works, others were not convinced.

“Is it actually that much different from before? Not really,” Ian Johnson said.

What do you think of the roundabout? Post a comment below…