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Thursday 7 Nov 2013

Plans for bridge over Lincoln High Street level crossing submitted

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Network Rail has submitted plans to Lincoln City Council for a new bridge which will allow pedestrians and cyclists free-flowing access along High Street in Lincoln 24-hours-a-day.

Engineers from the company have been consulting city transport experts, planners and English Heritage to develop a design to allow shoppers, tourists and local residents to cross the railway at High Street even when trains are passing.

The carefully considered design involves Network Rail buying the property at 179 High Street, which currently houses the Sleep Shop and Superdrug, and remodelling the building to accommodate the bridge, which includes steps, extra large lifts and a ‘gully’ for cyclists to use for bikes.

Route Managing Director, Phil Verster, explained: “High Street level crossing in Lincoln remains our worst level crossing for instances of misuse. These range from people running across after the warnings have started to thoroughly reckless acts such as lifting or climbing over the barriers once they are down. In such circumstances the signaller has no way to stop an oncoming train.

“We understand that a lot of misuse is driven by frustration at having to wait at the barriers. The level crossings at High Street and Brayford Wharf East, which sees similar issues, are already of the highest possible safety design. From our discussions with highways experts we know it is not possible to close the crossings at this time. Therefore we have employed renowned architects to develop designs which give access over the railway for all pedestrians who need to use it but are also in keeping with their surroundings. The bridge at Brayford is approved. Enabling work on the swan island will start in December and we expect to begin work on the highway in the new year.

“The design for High Street has taken longer than the Brayford site because of the complexity of the site. We believe the designs we have submitted for approval offer the best possible solution for the long standing issues raised by High Street level crossing.”