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Notes to editors

Network Rail’s Great Northern Great Eastern (GNGE) project is a £280m scheme to transform the 86-mile former ‘Joint Line’ into a twenty-first century railway. The line runs between Peterborough, Spalding, Sleaford, Lincoln, Gainsborough and Doncaster.

Key elements of the project include:

• a new signalling system leading to increased capacity and faster trains;
• continuous welded rail, reducing noise and vibration
• replacement of 34 bridges to allow modern freight trains to use the line
• the largest ever programme of level crossing modernisation, helping to minimise barrier down times and improve road layouts
• replacements of barrow crossings at stations to enhance safety and improve access for all users

Work completed in Saxilby is classified as ‘Phase 1’ of the GNGE project. Four further phases are scheduled for completion later this year.

Work to replace Saxilby level crossing between 20 December 2013 and 5 January 2014 closed the only access to and from West Bank, Saxilby. Following consultation with the local community and elected representatives, Network Rail provided a 24-hour minibus service for West Bank residents, enabling them to access local facilities and their cars which were held in a secure car park nearby.

The station bridge is will open to passengers and the final scaffolding will be removed by early February.

The GNGE project is being delivered by an alliance of companies comprising Network Rail, Babcock International, Carillion and Siemens.