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Thursday 21 Nov 2013

Christmas rail update for Saxilby residents

Region & Route:

Saxilby Parish Council is hosting two meetings for residents of West Bank in Saxilby to hear from Network Rail teams about precise plans for railway works this Christmas. Letters are being delivered to residents this week to invite them to attend.

Network Rail needs to fully upgrade the level crossing at West Bank in Saxilby. This work was originally planned for the summer but had to be deferred because the route was being used for rail diversions necessitated by the spoil heap slip at Hatfield colliery.　Unfortunately the next time this essential work could be planned was Christmas which means that the crossing will be unavailable from 19.00 20 December to 06.30 3 January.

A spokesman for Network Rail said: “We apologise to residents for the disruption and inconvenience, especially at this time of year. 　Our project team is making every effort to mitigate that disruption.” 　

Other work will be completed in the area at the same time, including:

• Replacement of four level crossings (Kesteven, Stow Park and Sykes Lane as well as West Bank)
• Removal of Saxilby signalbox and transfer of signaling control to Lincoln
• Replacement of platform copings at Saxilby Station
• Removal of level crossing at Saxilby Station and installation of a new footbridge with ramps
• Replacement of track and associated improvements to track bed, drainage, etc.

Network Rail held public meetings with residents of West Bank in February this year and on 2 November.

The further meetings will be held on Wednesday 27th November at Function Room, St. Andrews Community Centre, William Street, Saxilby, LN1 2LP. There will be two sessions, 14.30 to 16.00 and 18.00 to 19.30. There will be a short briefing, followed by a Q&A session which is hosted by the council.

Network Rail’s preferred option was to lease land in order to provide alternative road access to West Bank, sadly it was not possible to successfully complete the required negotiations in time and this option is no longer available.

Resident access will be via a short pedestrian step free route. Either side on this route, a fleet of minibuses will take residents, employees, visitors to/from secure car parking to their desired property.

A temporary car park for resident’s vehicles will be in place. There will be 24 hour security provision on the site.

A fleet of minibuses will be provided on West Bank, for transport toto the Foss Canal Footbridge. On the A57 another fleet will take residents from the other side of the footbridge to their vehicles.

Improvements to the footbridge will be made in advance, and there will be staff on site to grit the bridge, and the approach to it, in adverse weather conditions. Assistance will be provided at the footbridge, and lighting provided

The mini-bus service will be a 24 hour service, and the minibus facilities provide for wheelchairs, pushchairs etc on both sides of the ‘pedestrian’ section.

Network Rail is agreeing access with East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) which will allow ambulances to be able to cross the level crossing by the time it reaches West Bank. We are currently in the process of completing arrangements with Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue to enable provision of a fire tender on West Bank for the duration of the works. Similar protocols as those for EMAS will be in place for any additional access required. We are also in contact with Lincolnshire Police.

Network Rail has been liaising with West Lindsey district council about refuse collection. Collection of household waste will proceed as planned on 20 December and 3rd January. The only scheduled collection affected by the works is a recycling collection due on 28 December. The District Council will provide residents with additional recycling bags for this period.

Network Rail is also in touch with Royal Mail, Amazon, and a number of supermarkets to put in place alternative arrangements for delivery of parcels and home shopping groceries to residents. This will include the provision of a temporary delivery address at St Andrew’s Community Centre.