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Monday 25 Sep 2017

Network Rail to upgrade Lincolnshire rail bridge

Region & Route:

| Eastern

Network Rail will carry out improvement work to a railway bridge in Vernatts Drain, Spalding as part of the Railway Upgrade Plan.

The bridge, which lies on the line between Spalding and Sleaford will be demolished and a new, ready-made bridge will be installed.

The project will see a £1.5million investment into the railway and, once completed, will mean a stronger bridge which is able to carry heavier freight trains. The rail freight industry directly contributes £870m to the nation’s economy every year, as well as taking lorries off the road which drastically reduces congestion.

Network Rail workers have been on site since July, but the main piece of work will begin on Saturday, 21 October and be completed on Tuesday, 24 October. Due to the nature of the work, no trains will be able to run on the line and passengers are advised to check before they travel during this time. The pedestrian crossing will be temporarily closed between Monday, 2 October and Monday, 6 November. 

Rob McIntosh, route managing director at Network Rail, said: “The work we are carrying out at Vernatts Drain will be of great benefit to the freight industry.

“Demand for rail freight is set to grow by 30 percent over the next decade and it is vital that we make improvements to our railway, so that we can cater for this growth and ensure we are able to provide a network which meets the needs of the economies and communities our railway serves.”

ENDS