Media centre

Wednesday 29 Jan 2014

Bridge over Lincoln High Street level crossing approved

Region & Route:

Residents, visitors and businesses in Lincoln are set to benefit after Network Rail was granted permission to build a new bridge over High Street level crossing. The plans, which involve re-modelling the property at 179 High Street, will allow pedestrians and cyclists free-flowing access along the street 24-hours-a-day.

It follows permission granted last year for a free-standing structure on Brayford Wharf East.

Phil Verster, route managing director for Network Rail, said: “This decision is the result of many months of collaborative working. I thank the teams from English Heritage, City of Lincoln, Lincolnshire County Council, University of Lincoln, business leaders and Karl McCartney MP for the guidance they have provided.

“High Street and Brayford level crossings remain among our worst crossings for instances of misuse. Incidents range from people running across after the warnings have started to thoroughly reckless acts such as lifting or climbing over the barriers once they are down. In such circumstances the signaller has no way to stop an oncoming train.

“We understand that a lot of misuse is driven by frustration at having to wait at the barriers. We have accepted that it is not possible to close the crossings at this time but doing nothing was not an option. Thanks to the close working with city stakeholders we have developed high quality, deliverable solutions for each site. Our teams will work to deliver the bridges efficiently, with the minimum possible disruption.”

The carefully considered design involves Network Rail buying the property at 179 High Street, which currently houses the Sleep Shop and Superdrug, and re-modelling the building to accommodate the bridge, which includes steps and large lifts.

Karl McCartney, MP for Lincoln, added: “I am very pleased that the plans for a new footbridge over Lincoln High Street’s level crossing have finally been approved. This decision ensures that the level crossing at street level will not be closed and for that I, and I am sure all my constituents as well as businesses on and around the High Street, are grateful.

“We in Lincoln should not have had to wait over 30 years for the footbridge in our High Street to be re-instated, but I am proud that, with assistance from Lincolnshire County Council and more recently appointed Network Rail senior directors, I have made real positive progress on this issue at the two most at risk level crossings in the centre of my constituency.”

Next steps for the High Street project involve detailed building design work, site investigations and the final purchase of 179 High Street. The purchase is expected to complete this autumn. The bridge is likely to open in late 2015.

Detailed build designs for the bridge at Brayford are progressing and site investigations will start in February. Enabling works are already underway with the launch of the new swan islands at the end of last year. This will allow the pavement to be extended, allowing room for the bridge without disadvantaging pedestrians. This bridge is scheduled to be open for use before Christmas 2014.