New road to allow closure of level crossing

A new link road is set to open next month, making way for the closure of a level crossing that has been a "long-identified safety risk".

Network Rail is carrying out a £4.7m project to build the road in Collingham, near Newark, and shut the Cross Lane level crossing.

The new link road is being built alongside the railway line from the south of the level crossing to the east of another level crossing nearby on Swinderby Road.

After the road opens on 29 May, Network Rail said the old highway connecting Cross Lane and Swinderby Road through the level crossing would be closed under a stopping up order.

According to Network Rail, a person was seen "standing in the crossing taking photographs" within the past six months.

Meanwhile, on another occasion during the same time period, a person was "found lying injured on the road after falling while using the crossing".

Construction of the new road began on 19 February, and is part of a wider project designed to improve road safety and deliver faster train services.

Once the work is complete, Network Rail said trains between Newark and Lincoln would be able to travel at higher speeds.

Currently, the line speed on this section of the route ranges between 50mph (80.5km/h) and 70mph (112.7km/h).

Following the work, Network Rail said it would be raised to 75mph (120.7km/h).

A section of Cross Lane between the crossing and Potter Hill Road is also being upgraded as part of the project.

Nick Wilton, Network Rail senior sponsor, said: "The new road will be a significant boost for the rail line, improving journey times between Newark and Lincoln, while also improving the experience for motorists in the area."

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