November 22, 2018 5.42 pm This story is over 64 months old

Footbridge “will be worth it” despite crossing chaos

Network Rail says the work is on track

Network Rail have claimed that a new footbridge will be worth the wait, despite major crossing chaos.

While utilities are being rerouted as part of the bridge’s construction, part of the street has been closed off.

Every day since there have been hundreds trying to get over the railway crossing on Brayford Wharf East, with pedestrians and cyclists clashing.

At the consultation, Amy Brenndorfer for Network Rail told The Lincolnite: “We know that the road is closed off, but as part of our plans for this we did do some pedestrian flow modelling.

“We’ve also got people out on site keeping an eye on things so we are aware of that happening but we are doing our best to manage it.

“[Network Rail] are positive that people will use this and we are really excited for people to start benefitting.”

It is unclear exactly how much the finished bridge will cost, but Network Rail say that it is a multi-million pound project.

Work started to build the bridge in October and will continue until it’s finished, with Network Rail expecting a March 2019 completion date.

The plans were initially refused by the City of Lincoln Council, whose planning committee felt that the removal of two lift shafts restricted access for disabled people.

Network Rail appealed the decision with the Planning Inspectorate, stating initial designs with lifts were “too expensive” and adding that people who cannot use the stairs will still be able to use the crossing as normal.