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Tuesday 24 Jun 2008

£55M INVESTMENT IN LINCOLN’S RAILWAY: THE FINAL PHASE

Region & Route:

Lincolnshire’s passengers are set to benefit from more reliable journeys as Network Rail starts the second and final phase of the £55mproject to renew completely the railway tracks and signalling system through the centre of Lincoln this summer.

Network Rail route director Dyan Crowther said: “This project is the first major investment in Lincoln’s railway for many years and we will deliver a 21st century railway. We’ve listened carefully to the people of Lincoln so we are able to carry out the final phase of this important work with the minimum of disruption. Network Rail’s investment will benefit passengers by allowing for a better rail service.”

The railway through Lincoln will be closed from Saturday 19 July until Monday 1 September as engineers install new track and signalling. During the work, the old semaphore signalling system characterised by ‘arms’ on a signal gantry being raised or lowered to control the movement of trains will be replaced by a state-of-the-art system using computer controlled coloured LEDs. At the same time, 22 sets of switches and crossings used to move trains from one track to another will also be renewed.

Throughout the closure East Midlands Trains will be running replacement services between Sleaford - Lincoln - Doncaster, Lincoln - Newark Northgate, Lincoln - Nottingham (between Lincoln and Newark Castle), and Lincoln - Grimsby and / or Cleathorps.

David Horne, commercial director for East Midlands Trains said "We support fully the work being carried out by Network Rail at Lincoln. This project will provide long term benefits for our passengers such as our direct train service from Lincoln to London St Pancras International which we will launch at the end of the year.

"We have plans in place to provide alternative road transport for passengers during the works and we'll also be running special promotional offers before and after the work."

The opportunity will also be taken to convert the level crossing on High Street to CCTV and renew the decking over the carriageway. To do this, the level crossing will close to road traffic from 11 pm on Thursday 7 August and will reopen on Saturday 16 August. Pedestrian access will be maintained during business hours.

Paul Brookes, principal highways officer, said:

“Lincolnshire County Council Highways has worked closely with Network Rail to minimise the impact of these works and to implement the necessary road closures. Diversions will be in place and we encourage road users to observe the signage for their own safety and that of others, allowing extra time for their journey as required. Some of the High Street closures will also affect pedestrians, and special pedestrian alternative route signing will be in place.

"The opportunity will also be taken for some County Council maintenance work to take place, repairing the carriageway and refurbishing the pedestrian crossing on St Mary Street during the High Street closures. This work will use temporary traffic lights."