AN additional £2.1m is being used to complete the delayed Old Mill Lane widening scheme after contractors found ‘unexpected and complex’ issues at the site.
Work to widen the road from three lanes to five started on the road in early 2024 by Balfour Beatty and was originally scheduled to be completed this summer and within a £15m budget.
However, the scheme has faced issues with utility works and a further £2.1m has been set aside for the project which is now due to end in early 2027.
A spokesperson for the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, who are overseeing the project, told the Chronicle: “We’re continuing to deal with unexpected and complex issues surrounding utility works which have meant a longer project and higher costs than planned.
“We are working through these with partners and, this still means the project is planned to complete in winter 2026/27.”
Coun Nicola Sumner added that Barnsley Council is not responsible for the work and said: “Our roads are busier than ever and I can see the need for creating more lanes to alleviate the bottle neck in and out of town.
“Unfortunately, I believe the bridge works have been more challenging than expected.”
