Four bridges are being renewed in the Helpringham area as part of a significant package of investment by Network Rail in the Lincolnshire area. The bridges, at Helpringham Road, Mount Lane, Scredinton Road and Fen Road in Helpringham are being upgraded to boost capacity on the railway through Lincolnshire. Work on the structures starts at the end of September and is due to complete by the end of the year.

Phil Verster, route managing director for Network Rail, said: “This package of investment will deliver a more efficient railway and allow additional services to run on the lines through Lincolnshire. The bridge works include replacing the central section of each bridge and we are also installing higher parapets and new crash barriers to improve safety.”

Road closures and diversionary routes have been agreed with the highways authority and will last for approximately three weeks. These are:

  Helpringham Road from 28 September 2012
  Mount Lane from 5 October 2012
  Scredington Road from 16 November 2012
  Fen Road from 30 November 2012

Network Rail is investing £280m renewing the line from Peterborough to Doncaster via Spalding, Lincoln and Gainsborough.

Scheduled for completion in spring 2014, works include the replacement/enhancement of a number of level crossings, renewal of the existing signalling system, bridge works and extensive track renewals, replacing older track with a modern equivalent helping reduce the environmental impact from passing freight and passenger traffic.

On completion, the project will deliver enhanced safety, improved performance and reliability, a reduced need for heavy maintenance and will provide additional capacity for freight traffic when required, with each freight train taking approximately 60 lorry journeys off the roads.