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Wednesday 29 Oct 2014

Changes to access at Spalding station

Region & Route:

As part of a programme of rail improvements in Lincolnshire to improve safety and train performance, the level crossing at Spalding is being closed from Monday, 3 November.

The crossing is being removed as part of major works taking place between Wednesday, 22 October and Monday, 3 November. During these works, trains between Lincoln and Peterborough will start and terminate at Sleaford and a rail replacement bus service will operate between Spalding and Peterborough. Further timetable information can be found at www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk.

When the normal rail service resumes on Monday, 3 November, the level crossing will be closed and there will be no step-free access to Spalding station until further notice.

Southbound trains between Lincoln, Spalding and Peterborough are not affected and will continue to depart from Platform 1.

Network Rail has worked with East Midlands Trains to minimise the impact of this crossing closure on passengers. From 3 November, the majority of northbound trains between Peterborough, Spalding and Lincoln will arrive and depart from Platform 1, which has level access. Some northbound services will still depart from Platform 2 and there will be no step-free access to this platform from Monday 3 November. These services include the 0833 and 1241 services from Peterborough to Lincoln, scheduled to call at Spalding at 0857 and 1303.

Passengers travelling north of Spalding towards Doncaster on either of these services are advised to travel from Sleaford station where possible.

Passengers still needing to travel from Spalding, who require step free access, are advised to contact East Midlands Trains Customer Service Centre on 03457 125 678 to arrange alternative transport.

Justin Page, area director for Network Rail said: “As part of our drive to improve safety on the railway we are removing these outdated types of crossing from our network. From 3 November, the only pedestrian access between platforms will be via the footbridge.

“Wherever possible northbound trains, which used to call at platform 2 will go in to platform 1 to make sure that all passengers can access services.

“This crossing closure is an essential safety improvement for our railway. We are working with East Midlands Trains to see how step-free access can be better provided at Spalding station in the future.”

Neil Micklethwaite, customer service and commercial director for East Midlands Trains, added: "It is important that our rail network is safe and accessible for all passengers and we will continue to work with Network Rail to develop a longer term plan for step-free access for all at Spalding station. Any passengers wanting advice or assistance with their travel from Spalding can contact our dedicated customer helpline on 03457 125678."

Passengers requiring assistance are advised to call 03457 125678 in advance of travel. To find out more about changes to services visit eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/spalding