April 3, 2019 2.43 pm This story is over 67 months old

This looks interesting! Brayford pontoon coming along

It will connect Brayford Way to the university campus
A pontoon to connect Brayford Way to the university campus. Photo: Joseph Verney for The Lincolnite

Contractors are progressing with work on a pontoon to connect Brayford Way to the university campus.

As previously reported, platforms were lifted onto the water with a giant crane on Monday. The pontoon is now starting to take shape and work should be completed by the end of the week.

Progress being made to the pontoon. Photo: Joseph Verney for The Lincolnite

Photo: Joseph Verney for the Lincolnite

It should at least ease some of the chaos caused by road closures as it will allow better access for university staff and students getting on and off campus.

Network Rail is currently working on a major project to instal a new stepped footbridge at Brayford Wharf level crossing in Lincoln.

One of the cranes on site. Photo: Joseph Verney for The Lincolnite

A spokesperson for Network Rail said earlier this week: “As part of this project, Network Rail has begun to install a temporary pontoon bridge to reinstate access between the university and the eastern approach across Brayford Wharf whilst the level crossing is closed.”

Barriers were opened to let a vehicle reverse in. Photo: Joseph Verney for The Lincolnite

Photo: Joseph Verney for The Lincolnite

High water levels and loose ground caused the further delays to the 100 tonne Brayford level crossing footbridge project.

The current finish date for the project is Tuesday, May 14. The road and the level crossing will re-open the following day on Wednesday, May 15.

The installation of the pontoon at this late stage in the project has again raised questions over the bridge’s expected completion.

Work is continuing on site. Photo: Joseph Verney for the Lincolnite

Brayford Wharf East was closed to traffic for six months until Monday, May 6. The crossing was also closed off for pedestrians in January with the finish date initially delayed until March 4, but these dates were both extended.