Level crossing on major road near Boston to be closed for more than two days as part of £1.4m track upgrade; rail passengers also set for disruption
A level crossing on a major road near Boston is to be closed for more than two days next month as part of a £1.4m track upgrade, with rail passengers also set to face disruption, Network Rail has said.
The work will mean the Swineshead level crossing on the A17 is closed to road traffic and pedestrians from 9.15pm on Friday, October 9, to 7.10am on Monday, October 12.
For rail passengers, buses will replace trains between Boston and Sleaford on Saturday, October 10, and Sunday, October 11.
Network Rail says the project will renew key infrastructure to ‘improve reliability and resilience, helping to ensure the railway continues to meet the needs of passengers and communities for years to come’.
The upgrade will also deliver a smoother ride for passengers and reduce noise from passing trains for nearby residents, it says.
The long-term benefits of the project include reduced maintenance requirements, fewer disruptive engineering interventions and the removal of the need for temporary speed restrictions caused by deteriorating track conditions, it adds.
Eric Larocque, Network Rail operations director, said: “We’re investing £1.4m to replace more than 730 metres of track between Hubbert’s Bridge and Swineshead, improving reliability for passengers and freight services using the route.
“While this work means some disruption over the weekend, replacing these life-expired track components now will reduce the need for future maintenance and help deliver a more reliable railway.
“We’re sorry for any inconvenience and thank passengers and residents for their patience while we complete these important upgrades.”
Philippa Cresswell, customer experience director for East Midlands Railway, said: “We’re encouraging customers planning to travel between Sleaford and Boston on Saturday, October 10, and Sunday, October 11 to check their journey in advance and allow extra time, as rail replacement buses will be in operation.
“We’d like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding while this important work takes place to help deliver more reliable journeys in the future.”
Passengers are advised to check with East Midlands Railway or National Rail before travelling.
A signed diversion route for road users will be in place via the A17, A15 and A52 during the level crossing closure, Network Rail says.