Media centre

Monday 1 Sep 2014

Rail improvement works in Bassetlaw and Doncaster completed

Region & Route:

Rail engineers have completed the latest package of work to transform the GNGE line between Doncaster and Peterborough via Gainsborough.

These works included:

• Replacement of three bridges in Bassetlaw carrying the railway over roads and waterways;

• Lowering of track beneath two bridges carrying roads over the railway, enabling taller trains to use the line;

• Repairs to the intersection bridge carrying the GNGE line over the East Coast Main Line; and

• Signalling, construction and highways works at Auckley (Doncaster) Beech Hill (Bassetlaw) and North Carr (Bassetlaw) level crossings.

Simultaneously, the first stage of the increase in line speed was implemented, allowing trains to travel at 65mph on the GNGE route between Lincoln Pyewipe Junction and Gainsborough Trent East Junction.

Phil Verster, Network Rail Route Managing Director LNE&EM, said: “This significant further progress with the GNGE project means that we are on target to complete the modernisation of an important rail route. We remain grateful to the public and to rail users for their patience whilst this vital scheme is delivered.”

The early completion of highways modernisation works at Auckley have allowed this level crossing to reopen ahead of schedule.

Two other crossings remain temporarily closed as follows:

• Beech Hill – closed completely from 0800 on Saturday, 16 August until 0800 on Monday, 29 September; and
• North Carr – closed completely from 0600 on Thursday, 28 August until 0800 on Monday, 6 October.

Temporary closure details and diversionary routes are signposted at each level crossing. Further temporary level crossing closures will also be necessary later in the year to install new technology.

The latest works constitute ‘Phase 2’ of the GNGE project – a £280 million Government-funded programme to transform the line into a modern railway and due for completion later in 2014.

In August, Network Rail launched an extensive information campaign to advise the public of faster and more frequent trains on the GNGE route, and of the consequent need to take special care when crossing the railway.