Road closures and disruption expected as Network Rail begins £1million upgrade to improve level crossing on A17

Traffic disruption is likely as Network Rail prepares to begin major improvements to the Swineshead level crossing on the A17 next month in a £1million investment.
Resurfacing work planned for Swineshead level crossing on the A17. EMN-201118-151507001Resurfacing work planned for Swineshead level crossing on the A17. EMN-201118-151507001
Resurfacing work planned for Swineshead level crossing on the A17. EMN-201118-151507001

Work begins on Monday December 7 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, according to Network Rail.

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.

There will be overnight road closures from 9pm until 7am on Monday December 7, Tuesday December 8, Wednesday December 9 and Thursday December 10. Pedestrians and dismounted cyclists will still be able to use the crossing.

From 7pm on Friday December 11 until 7am on Monday December 14 there will be no access for drivers, cyclists or pedestrians.

OThen there will be oernight road closures from 9pm until 7am on Monday December 14, Tuesday December 15, Wednesday December 16 and Thursday December 17. 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 and Sunday December 12 and 13 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.

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 and Sunday December 12 and 13 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.”