The second phase of one of Lincolnshire's biggest road projects is officially more than halfway complete.

Coun Richard Davies, executive member for highways, said: "I'm incredibly pleased to say we've officially passed the halfway point of construction for the second section of Grantham's new relief road.

"Since starting work last October, the team has completed the first half of the new A1 bridge, including installing sixteen massive 14+ tonne beams – with thirteen more to be installed early next year.

"We've also completed nearly all of the earthworks and half the drainage associated with the new roundabouts and slip roads that will connect the A1 to the B1174."

Since the start of the project: · Over 800 people have worked over 150,000 hours on the scheme · Nearly 130,000 tonnes of soil and earth have been moved · Over half a mile of drainage has been installed · 100 tonnes of steel and 1,000 tonnes of concrete have been used for the new A1 bridge Coun Davies continued: "Throughout the next half of the project, the focus will be on completing the new A1 bridge and constructing the new roundabouts and slip roads off the A1. "This will include lifting the remaining bridge beams into place and completing the earthworks and drainage. This is on top of building the slip roads and roundabouts themselves, ahead of surfacing and white lining – all with a view to having this new part of the relief road complete next summer. "In the meantime, we want to thank everyone for staying patient while we carry out these important works. The scheme as a whole is progressing really well, and we're looking forward to having the entire relief road opened during 2023." Pat Doody, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: "We are extremely pleased to see works to complete the new A1 junction at Grantham progressing. "We are investing £28m into this important strategic infrastructure scheme for Greater Lincolnshire which will enable significant future job creation, homes and greater connectivity." David Steventon, Project Manager at Highways England, said: "We are very pleased with the progress that has been made to the Grantham Southern Relief Road scheme, and we look forward to working with Lincolnshire County Council and its contractors to complete the rest of this ambitious and complex project." South Kesteven District Council Leader Coun Kelham Cooke said: "It's great to see progress being made on a road which will cut congestion, link our local road networks and bring a better environment to the people of Grantham, making it an attractive destination for visitors and business alike. "It forms part of our vision to grow the district and deliver the priorities important to residents as we promote sustainable economic growth throughout the district. "The people of Grantham have been waiting for this for more than 80 years and it's clearly becoming a reality, laying strong foundations for the future, alongside the regeneration of Grantham town centre through the Future High Street bid and delivery of the Heritage Actions Zone programme." Jamie Missenden, Regional Manager – Midlands for Galliford Try, said: "We are proud to have reached this milestone in the delivery of the scheme without any accidents or incidents. As with every scheme, the team face numerous challenges, not least with COVID-19. To pass the halfway point as planned, maintaining team moral and delivering a quality product, whilst adhering to social distancing procedures, demonstrates an exemplar performance." The Grantham Southern Relief Road project is being led by Lincolnshire County Council and supported by South Kesteven District Council, Greater Lincolnshire LEP, Highways England, Department for Transport, Network Rail, Homes England and local businesses. For the latest news on the Grantham Southern Relief Road, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/majorprojects.