South Holland District Council leader Nick Worth calls for better co-ordination of roadworks after issues in Spalding with clashing projects from Anglian Water and Lincolnshire County Council

Days of gridlocked traffic have prompted calls for better coordination of roadworks in order to prevent Spalding grinding to halt.

Motorists have been stuck in long queues around most of the main routes servicing Spalding, at various points this week, and some people have reported journey times of nearly an hour in a bid to negotiate their way across the town.

Spalding has suffered problems in recent months due to the improvement works on the A16 roundabouts at Springfields and Greencell but the issues have been compounded by Anglian Water closing Commercial Road on Sunday with Lincolnshire County Council shutting nearby Queens Road on Monday.

These roads act as the main two roads through Spalding from the eastern side of the River Welland which dissects the town. Many vehicles have been forced to join queues onto the A16 to cut back in towards town via Halmer Gate, which is already packed with traffic during rush hour.

The county council shared details of its closure on Friday and was not aware of the Commercial Road work, while Anglian Water says it is not affiliated with One Network, a website which allows authorities and utility companies share where roadworks will be taking place.

South Holland District Council leader Coun Nick Worth, is calling for better communication between the two to help prevent future problems.

He said: “I completely understand people’s frustrations with the traffic situation in Spalding, and always feel that more can be done to better co-ordinate works between organisations and properly consider the impact of the disruption on our road users.

“However, when we look at the bigger picture, these major works have to happen at some point and are hopefully always a case of short-term pain for long-term gain.

“In a few weeks’ time we will be left with much improved infrastructure on the A16 and the outskirts of town that will provide residents, and drivers, with lasting benefits moving forwards.”

Spalding already suffers traffic issues due to the impact of the railway which often sees the town split in half when the level crossings are down for long freight trains.

This prompted the authorities to look at the Spalding Western Relief Road in order to help ease the problem.

A crash on the A151 near McDonalds also added further pressure to the clogged up traffic system on Tuesday evening.

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