Tuesday, 17 November 2020
Network Rail will begin major improvements to Swineshead level crossing next month in a £1million investment.
Work begins on Monday 7 December and will see the road surface on the crossing, which sits on the busy A17, replaced, bringing smoother journeys for drivers.
The project involves digging up and completely removing the old level crossing surface, as well as the track and ballast – the stones which support the track.
New, stronger concrete will then be installed on the crossing, which the new track will fit into. This will be the first time that this type of level crossing surface has been used in the East Midlands. The improvements will make it much smoother for drivers and cyclists using the crossing and quieter for people who live nearby. The new level crossing surface will also require less maintenance, reducing the number of road closures and disruption for drivers in future.
For this work to be carried out safely, there will be some road closures on the A17 at the level crossing. A clearly signposted diversion route will be in place for drivers.
- Overnight road closures from 21:00 until 07:00 on Monday 7, Tuesday 8, Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 December. Pedestrians and dismounted cyclists will still be able to use the crossing.
- From 19:00 on Friday 11 December until 07:00 on Monday 14 December there will be no access for drivers, cyclists or pedestrians.
- Overnight road closures from 21:00 until 07:00 on Monday 14, Tuesday 15, Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 December. Pedestrians and dismounted cyclists will have access over the crossing.
Most of this work will take place without disrupting train services. However, buses will replace trains between Sleaford and Boston on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December so Network Rail can install the new level crossing surface and track.
Passengers who need to travel are strongly advised to check their journey via National Rail Enquiries or with their train operator. People can travel with confidence by wearing a face covering, washing or sanitising their hands and maintaining their social distance.
This project follows on from work in May when Network Rail replaced the old level crossing barriers with modern, new ones to help create a more resilient railway.
Vinny Briggs, Route Level Crossing Manager for Network Rail, said: “This work to upgrade the road surface and the track at Swineshead level crossing is vital to improve journeys for drivers on the busy A17 and to make sure train services can continue running reliably for years to come.
“We’ve already upgraded the barriers and it’s great that Swineshead level crossing is now the first one in the area to benefit from this new crossing surface.
“We’ve planned this work carefully so it causes as little disruption as possible and we’re sorry for any inconvenience that the road closures cause.”
Neil Grabham, Customer Services Director for East Midlands Railway, said: “The investment at Swineshead crossing is significant and will bring about long term benefits to both road and rail users and East Midlands Railway will be working in partnership with Network Rail throughout the period of works, to minimise the potential disruption to our passengers.
“We are therefore asking any passengers who are travelling over the weekend of Saturday 12th December and Sunday 13th December to check before they travel, and we will provide buses to replace trains between Sleaford and Boston.
“Additional East Midlands Railway colleagues will be at the stations to assist customers and ensure all journeys can be completed in a safe manner, as comfortably as possibly.
“We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused during this time.”