Lincoln level crossing footbridge plans submitted after lives risked

Plans have been submitted to the council for a footbridge over a level crossing in Lincoln.

Network Rail came up with the plans for Brayford Wharf because of near misses where pedestrians risked their lives trying to cross when barriers were coming down.

The company also wants to put an accessible bridge at the High Street level crossing, but designs for that bridge have not been finalised.

Phil Verster, route managing director for Network Rail said: “This application is an important milestone as we seek to reduce risk at the level crossings in Lincoln city centre.

"We have taken into account the feedback we received following our public event in October and feel we have developed a quality design which is in keeping with, and sympathetic to its surroundings.”

Network Rail released CCTV of a pedestrian risking their life by recklessly climbing over the barriers at High Street level crossing in December.

Mr Verster added: “This individual had a very lucky escape and these images reinforce the need for us to take action at both level crossing sites in the city. We are acutely aware of this need and continue to seek the best possible solution for the High Street level crossing. We are in discussions with the owners of 179 High Street to see if it is possible to redevelop this building as part of the footbridge design. As soon as possible we will bring those designs to a public event for further discussion.”