Media centre

Wednesday 2 Jun 2021

Lindsells crossing bridleway bridge scheme proposed

Region & Route:

Eastern

| Eastern: East Coast

A proposal to invest a total of £5m to replace the Lindsells level crossing in Biggleswade with a bridleway bridge has been submitted as a planning application by Network Rail.

The project, which will be delivered by Network Rail and funded through the Biggleswade Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF), will see construction of a new bridge that will provide a safer and more accessible way for pedestrians, cyclists and horses to cross the railway. The new bridge will also form part of Biggleswade’s Green Wheel, a walking and cycling route around the outskirts of Biggleswade.

A gated level crossing is currently used to cross the four tracks of the East Coast Main Line. The current proposal, subject to planning, is to build the new bridge approximately 385 metres to the north of the current location of the crossing. Installing a new high-sided bridleway bridge with steps and ramps will improve safety and connectivity for people in the area. This will also allow Network Rail to close the level crossing.

Councillor Kevin Collins, Executive Member for Planning and Regeneration at Central Bedfordshire Council said: "We are excited at the prospect of a new bridge to improve safety at the crossing and help enable more residents to enjoy the right of way securely. It is very clear that in order to support sustainable future growth across Biggleswade we must invest in key infrastructure such as this new bridge."

Nadine Blakemore, Sponsor for Network Rail, said: "We are committed to improving safety at Lindsells level crossing in Biggleswade and we support Central Bedfordshire Council’s proposal to install a bridleway bridge over the busy East Coast Main Line. 

"The proposed bridge is a huge step forward in taking pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders in the area away from the railway, and we will be able to close the level crossing once the work is completed. This would remove any risk of error, misuse or misjudgement when people in the community cross the railway."

ENDS