Lincolnshire Council Spends £50m on Bridge, Faces Funding Shortfall for Completion

Lincolnshire County Council has faced criticism for constructing a £50 million 'bridge to nowhere' as part of the Spalding Western Relief Road project, which aims to ease traffic on the A16. While the northern section of the road and the bridge over the railway were completed by October 2024, the southern section remains unfinished due to a funding shortfall; the council has earmarked £27.7 million in its 2025-26 budget but estimates the completion cost at £50-60 million, requiring external funding. The project, initially budgeted at around £110 million, has been delayed with the completion now expected no earlier than 2030, as the council reallocated nearly £28 million to other road projects amid inflation, pandemic-related cost increases, and economic recession. Residents and campaigners have expressed frustration, viewing the incomplete infrastructure as a waste of taxpayer money, while council officials emphasize ongoing efforts to secure additional funding and highlight the partial unlocking of land for housing development as a benefit. The bridge was constructed to cross a busy railway line, but currently, the road abruptly ends after the bridge, leading to public discontent and social media criticism. Despite the setbacks, the council remains engaged with partners like South Holland district council and Homes England to identify funding opportunities for the project's continuation.