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Tuesday 1 Apr 2014

Lincolnshire rail upgrade reaches Sleaford

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Four improved level crossings and 19 miles of new signalling will be brought into use in April as rail engineers carry out the next phase of investment to modernise the Great Northern Great Eastern (GNGE) line between Peterborough and Doncaster via Lincoln.

No trains will run between Lincoln and Spalding between 4 and 14 April to allow the improvements to be completed.

Phil Verster, Route Managing Director for Network Rail, explained: “The GNGE line is an important route for both freight and passenger trains. Demand for rail services continues to grow and the upgrade of this line is an important project to help meet that demand

“During just ten days our engineers will install modern signals which will help to allow for future increases in services as well as improving reliability. At the same time the level crossings at Scopwick, Rowston, Blankney and Sleaford North will be upgraded with the latest technology.”

The new signalling system will replace 1930s mechanical technology with modern electronic systems which will be controlled from Network Rail’s Lincoln Signalling Control Centre.

The work will allow the closure of signalboxes at Rowston, Scopwick, Sleaford South, Sleaford North and Blankney – although Blankney will be left in situ as the building has been listed by English Heritage.

Blankney level crossing will include a new footpath to allow passengers to access the southbound platform at Metheringham station from the car park. This path replaces an outdated crossing in the station. Passengers are being advised to allow slightly more walking time for the new route.

Once the current phase of work is completed on 14 April trains which are not calling at Sleaford will be able to bypass the town, reducing traffic and delays to level crossing users in the town centre.