Toll Bar update: work ongoing as schools return next week

Motorists are reminded to avoid Toll Bar roundabout if possible next week with schools returning for the new term.

A six-month improvement programme is progressing on schedule but longer journey times should be expected when the adjacent Tollbar Academy reopens from next Wednesday (2 September).

Removal of four splitter islands on the approaches to the roundabout has allowed contractors to work safely while traffic flow has been maintained. The next phase of the programme, road widening on Station Road (west), outside Tollbar Academy, is well underway. Most of it will be completed before students return.

A temporary footpath and crossing point have been constructed on the south side of Station Road (west) by contractors CR Reynolds, removing any confusion for pedestrians looking to cross the road to access Toll Bar Academy. The footpath on Station Road next to Toll Bar academy will be completed before the school reopens.

Footpaths on Station Road (east) will require work in the next stage of the contract, but a safe, signed route will be in place to provide a pedestrian diversion through the works.

Cllr Stewart Swinburn, Cabinet member for highways who visited the site recently, said: “We’re pleased with how the work is progressing. Traffic will increase next week with the reopening of schools but, hopefully, any delays will be kept to a minimum.

“It is a significant project which aims to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety at one of the borough’s busiest junctions and the project remains on schedule to be completed by January.”

The first of a series of monthly newsletters has been sent out to parish councils to keep everybody informed about progress.

The programme is being undertaken by CR Reynolds on behalf of North East Lincolnshire Council and its regeneration partner ENGIE.

Project liaison officer Chris Butts, appointed by CR Reynolds, will respond to any concerns raised by residents, businesses, or other stakeholders. He can be contacted Monday to Friday during office hours: email [email protected].

Residents or businesses with a specific issue regarding the project can contact the delivery team at [email protected].