Roadworks begin on Lincoln's Bailgate
They're expected to last for three months
Three months of roadworks have begun in Lincoln’s Bailgate, with traders holding their breath to see how much it will affect business.
The work will see almost 50,000 stone blocks removed and relayed, with the first phase beginning between Westgate and the White Hart hotel.
The road is closed to traffic, although pedestrians can still access the shops, which are open.
Lincolnshire County Council says the £1.7million project will improve safety for road and pavement users and will last around 20 years.
Several told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the work had needed doing and they hoped it wouldn’t put off customers.
Steve Kettleby, who owns House of Cards, said: “The first day was very quiet, but it’s busier today.
“Christmas would have been the worst period to do it – but we’ve still got Valentine’s Day, Easter and Mother’s Day, which are big holidays for us.
“Restrictions on parking spaces might affect whether people who can’t walk far come out. It’s difficult to know at this stage.”
The City of Lincoln Council plans to offer free one-hour parking at its Westgate and St Paul’s Lane car parks throughout February, to help with the issue.
Work on the stones was last carried out in 2010, although the sandstone base has started to fail, meaning blocks are moving about, lifting or breaking.
Helen Menzies, who works in the Lincoln Whisky Shop, said: “If it had been done properly in the first place, it wouldn’t need to be happening now.
“There are a few dangerous bits which do need mending, so I can understand why it’s happening.
“This will affect trade, but at least we can still get deliveries at the moment. When the next stage is done, it’s going to be a problem.”
Around 49,000 stone blocks are being taken up, with those in good condition relayed and the rest replaced.
Amy Claridge, owner of Artisan Maker, said: “I’m grateful the pavements are open and they’re doing it in stages. Hopefully, it will look better at the end.
“The amount of people in the Bailgate looks normal for a cold day in January.
“So far, I’m happy. People are still circulating. It had to be this time of year – could you imagine if it was Christmas or the Summer period?”
Scarlett Simpson, a manager at Coffee Culture, said: “It’s a bit quiet today. We’re waiting to see whether people will come out as much.
“I wasn’t here then, but I heard the last attempt didn’t work well. Hopefully this one will last.”
Reform Councillor Michael Cheyne, who is responsible for Highways at Lincolnshire County Council, asked for patience while the work was taking place.
He said: “With this being one of Lincoln’s busiest areas, we’ve phased the works so the contractor is working in smaller, localised areas before moving onto the next. This means far less disruption than if the whole of Bailgate was closed for three months.
“I also want to remind everyone that all of the footways along Bailgate will remain open, which means it will be business as usual while the works are happening.
“All of the nearby carparks will also be open throughout the works for anyone travelling by car. On-street parking will also be available, albeit with some bays closed as we work our way up the carriageway.
“I know these works will be disruptive to many, so I want to thank everyone in advance for their patience. When finished, the newly-laid stone blocks will be safer for anyone using Bailgate and should be relatively maintenance-free for the next twenty years.”