Media centre

Wednesday 13 Jun 2007

MASSIVE INVESTMENT FOR LINCOLN'S RAILWAY THIS SUMMER

Region & Route:

Lincolnshire's passengers are set to benefit from more reliable journeys as Network Rail starts the first phase of a GBP55m project to completely renew the signalling and track through the centre of Lincoln this summer. As part of the project, a new state-of-the-art signalling control centre will be built at West Holmes. Network Rail Route Director Dyan Crowther said: "This project is the first major investment in Lincoln's railway for many years and will deliver a brand new railway fit for the 21st century. We've listened carefully to people in Lincoln to ensure we are able to carry out this important work with the minimum disruption. In the long term Network Rail's investment in new technology and track will benefit passengers by allowing for a better rail service." For three weeks in August, the railway through Lincoln will be closed as Network Rail engineers install new track and signalling along the railway running through the city centre. Network Rail has been working closely with Central Trains and Lincolnshire County Council to ensure any disruption to passengers, motorists and pedestrians is kept to an absolute minimum. From Saturday 11 August to Sunday 2 September, Central Trains will replace trains running between Lincoln and Newark, Lincoln and Gainsborough, Lincoln and Cleethorpes, and Lincoln and Spalding with buses which will call at local stations in between. In addition, faster, direct buses will run morning and night for commuters between Sleaford and Lincoln. Northern Rail's hourly service between Sheffield and Lincoln will terminate / start at Gainsborough Lea Road with a replacement bus service operating between Gainsborough, Saxilby and Lincoln. The replacement buses will run about as frequently as existing train services, but exact times may vary, and passengers are advised to check journey times in advance. More details will be available from Central Trains website (www.centraltrains.co.uk) or by calling Network Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950. Central Trains Managing Director Steve Banaghan said: "As the principal train operator in Lincoln, we're working closely with Network Rail to keep the disruption to passengers to a minimum. This is a huge investment that will provide significant benefits for passengers in Lincolnshire." Before the August closure, Sincil Bank (Great Northern Terrace) Level Crossing will be closed to pedestrians and motorists on Saturday nights/Sunday mornings from mid July as engineers install new track. Lincolnshire County Council highways officer Dave Underwood added: "Lincolnshire County Council has worked closely with Network Rail with a view to minimising the effect of these works on the travelling public in the City. The works have been planned during the summer school holidays when traffic levels across the city are at their lowest." Following the second phase of the project in Summer 2008, the new track and signalling will be operational by September 2008, and the project will be completed in early 2009.