Two very interesting points you raise there BEagle.
1. Centre of Lincoln is terrible, the Traffic Light sequencing is managed by a creche at best, the highlight of any day being a vehicle breakdown on Silver Street, when 'Op GRIDLOCK' comes into force.
2. Also, you mention the 'Missing Link', - if only Darwin had transited from Shrewsbury to Lincoln, he would have saved years in attempting to seek a solution traveling round the globe...
If you're planning a trip from Nottingham to Market Rasen, put Inverness in the Sat-Nav, It'll be as quick.