More flexible and resilient working patterns have been established for staff on site to ensure that an appropriate level of supervision can be maintained and that the quality of work remains high.

“Everybody is working well and we are continuing with all operations,” said Lincolnshire County Council’s principal engineer Adam Round, who welcomed efforts by main contractor Galliford Try to put in place new operating procedures for teams within the space of a week after the Coronavirus lockdown was announced.

He explained that earthworks for the 7.5km scheme – which will form the new route of the A15 – are “nearing completion” and have been continuing to progress well, with little impact as a result of the Coronavirus.

However structures work is proving more difficult to carry out under social distancing requirements, and materials supply issues as a result of the pandemic’s effect on production may impact the programme.

The Lincoln Eastern Bypass has faced several previous difficulties prior to the Covid-19 outbreak, including the collapse of original contractor Carillion and the impacts of flooding last winter. This, explained Adam Round, helped build resilience to challenges on the project.
Upcoming milestones for the scheme include completion of a 250m span structure over the River Witham – where deck pours are currently under way – expected this summer. Road surfacing work is also progressing along the route of the bypass and the last of several new roundabouts will also complete in the summer at Washingborough Road.

(Photograph: Lincolnshire County Council)