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Spalding Relief Road Bridge Stalls as Budget Shortfall Grows

A £30m-plus funding gap persists following the council’s £27.7m allocation for 2025-26

Spalding western relief road in Lincolnshire stops well short of its destination
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Officials have had ambitions for a 'relief road' with the aim of easing congestion on the A16 around Spalding, Lincolnshire, for 14 years (Photo: Lincolnshire County Council)

Overview

  • Lincolnshire County Council completed the 0.6-mile northern section, including the £50m bridge over the East Coast Main Line, in October 2024.
  • Officials cite pandemic-era cost increases and inflation for reallocating nearly £28m in 2023 and delaying full completion until at least 2030.
  • The 2025-26 budget earmarks £27.7m for the southern section against an estimated £50m-60m build cost.
  • Council leaders are partnering with South Holland District Council and Homes England to secure the extra £30m-plus needed to finish the route.
  • Residents and campaigners have criticised the unfinished bypass as a waste of taxpayer money despite its role in unlocking land for 1,100 new homes.