A multi-million pound highway scheme to open up future employment land is to start within a fortnight, with a significant diversion for Immingham commuters and those accessing the South Humber Bank.
The work, part of the most ambitious industrial project of its kind in the area, involves a six-month closure of a kilometre section of the A1173 between the Stallingborough interchange of the A180 and the Catch roundabout at Kiln Lane.
Work is due to start on Monday, January 13, with a full closure coming into force and remaining until June, as a new roundabout and access stubs are constructed to open up the land either side.
A signed diversion route will operate via Brocklesby Interchange, the A160, Manby Road and Kings Road, with exceptions being made for critical use only.
North East Lincolnshire Council has said the decision for full closure was taken after extensive investigations and – while aware of the diversion adding time onto journeys – it is stressed that the work is vital in progressing the £42 million South Humber Industrial Investment Programme.
With a target of creating more than 3,000 jobs, one of the eventual aims of SHIIP is to develop an ‘oven-ready’ 64 hectare business park. Ultimately, the site which lies next to the A180 Stallingborough Interchange, will be seeking to attract a variety of industries, with a focus on sectors such as advanced engineering and renewable energy. Plans for an adjecent solar park that could power it have just been brought forward.
Cllr John Fenty, the Cabinet member for regeneration, said: “The SHIIP programme is still in its infancy, but there is already interest in the site from a range of businesses, which will result in jobs for local people. Our ability as a local authority to enable economic growth is crucial to the prosperity of the whole of our borough.”
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With investment from North East Lincolnshire Council, Humber Local Enterprise Partnership, Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, and the European Regional Development Fund, SHIIP has three main strands.
Stallingborough Business Park is one, and an under construction 2.5km highway linking the ports of Grimsby and Immingham, is the second. Extensive environmental habitat mitigation land is a final element.
The authority’s transport lead, Cllr Stewart Swinburn, understands the likely impact that the closure may have on both businesses and residents, but urged that people remember the long-term goal of this major highways work.
“I understand that a six-month closure of a main artery to and from this important residential and business area is going to cause understandable frustrations, but we must all appreciate the need for North East Lincolnshire to look at its long-term future,” he said.
More details of SHIIP with full plans on the A1173 closure and diversions will be available at a public engagement event, taking place at The Immingham Civic Centre Hub, Pelham Road, Immingham, on Tuesday, from 4.30pm until 8pm.
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