Monday 14 Apr 2014
Sleaford rail upgrade completed
- Region & Route:
Rail passengers and road users in Metheringham are travelling over four improved level crossings and 19 miles of new signalling after engineers completed the latest phase of investment to modernise the Great Northern Great Eastern (GNGE) line between Peterborough and Doncaster via Lincoln.
Phil Verster, route managing director for Network Rail, explained: “The GNGE line is an important route for both freight and passenger trains. Demand for rail services continues to grow and the upgrade of this line is an important project to help meet that demand.
“During just ten days our engineers have installed modern signals which will help to allow for future increases in services as well as improving reliability. At the same time the level crossings at Scopwick, Rowston, Blankney and Sleaford North have been upgraded with the latest technology.”
The new signalling system replaces 1930s mechanical technology with modern electronic systems now controlled from Network Rail’s Lincoln Signalling Control Centre.
This most recent phase of works saw the closure of signalboxes at Rowston, Scopwick, Sleaford South, Sleaford North and Blankney – although Blankney has been left in situ as the building has been listed by English Heritage.
Blankney level crossing now includes a new footpath to allow passengers to access the southbound platform at Metheringham station from the car park. This path replaces an outdated crossing in the station which has been removed. Passengers are being advised to allow slightly more walking time for the new route.
The work on the four level crossings was the largest number so far achieved in a single operation. Two level crossings were also completely closed during this phase of the project at Beevors and Rowston, further improving safety.
The completion of this phase means that trains which are not calling at Sleaford are now able to bypass the town, reducing traffic and delays to level crossing users in the town centre.
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