New footbridge to reduce risk of accidents at Lincoln level crossing

A new footbridge has opened at Lincoln High Street, replacing a level crossing ranked by Network Rail as the highest-risk level crossing in the London North Eastern and East Midlands route.

NR said that more than 140 trains per day pass through the crossing, while almost 35,000 pedestrians or cyclists use the crossing. Pedestrians are often seen running across it after the light sequence has begun, and when barriers have begun lowering.

Network Rail Route Managing Director Rob McIntosh said: “Safety on the railway is our absolute priority, and building a footbridge on this scale in such a heavily used and built-up area has presented lots of challenges. But we have never wavered in our commitment to deliver this footbridge to separate pedestrians and cyclists from trains at High Street level crossing.

“What we need now is for people to use it, to make it part of their daily routine, and not take a chance by running over the crossing when the barriers are closing.”

NR aims to submit plans for a second footbridge at Brayford Wharf level crossing, after funding was found for this project. Brayford Wharf is third on the at-risk list.