Brayford level crossing bridge delayed for another six months

Work to build a pedestrian footbridge over the Brayford Wharf East level crossing in Lincoln has been delayed for the second time, with a start date set 20 months later than initially predicted.

The bridge was already delayed until September after Network Rail expected an initial completion date in May 2014.

Now, after the discovery of a significant number of unmapped utilities within the footprint of the plans, construction work has been set back once more until January 2015.

Markings on the Brayford Way footpaths indicate works to come.

Network Rail was granted planning permission in March 2013 to build a pedestrian footbridge over the Brayford level crossing, to reduce waiting times for pedestrians and as a matter of safety.

The plans include work to clear the swan jetty and create a new space for the birds next to the island in Brayford Pool, move the old signal box closer to the water and enlarge the bridge linking up to the university campus.

The new Brayford level crossing bridge designs from Network Rail, by Stem Architects

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “The lead-time for diverting these utilities could be as much as six months though the project team and our contractor, Miller Construction, are working hard to accelerate this.”

Similar issues were encountered during the major Newark Road works in 2013, where work on the project was delayed.

Network Rail also received planning permission to build a footbridge over the High Street level crossing as part of the plan to stop dangerous use of the crossings.

In order to begin works on the High Street footbridge Network Rail must secure ownership of the building at number 179. They expect to take over the property in Septemeber 2014, with construction beginning in October.

Roadworks begin

Six weeks of roadworks began on Monday, July 21, to the Brayford Wharf East and Wigford Way junction to make way for the footbridge.

The junction will be widened and drivers will be able to turn right onto Wigford Way. The traffic light signals will also be upgraded and sections of the footpath will be repaved.

Six weeks of roadworks have already begun ahead of the project.

The project, carried out by Lincolnshire County Council, paves the way for a new one-way system over the Brayford Wharf level crossing.

After a consultation into the plans, Network Rail say the road will be reduced to a single carriageway “as a traffic calming measure”.

Motorists will be met by temporary traffic lights on the Wigford Way/Brayford Way junction.