Network Rail announced dates for the next stage of public engagement as they seek to install footbridges along side the two level crossings in Lincoln city centre. The rail company wants to put an accessible bridge at each site on High Street and Brayford Wharf East in order to reduce the risk of misuse at the crossings.

Phil Verster, route managing director for Network Rail, explained: “High Street and Brayford Wharf level crossings are already of the highest possible safety design. Despite this every day we see people taking risk by rushing across the crossings when the warnings have begun and even lifting or climbing over the barriers.

“We have been taking advice from City and County Council representatives and specialists from English Heritage and the Environment Agency to try and find a suitable solution for these sites. We believe we have good designs for Brayford Wharf and will be holding public exhibitions on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 October for the people of Lincoln to give us their comments.

“We remain committed to finding a solution for the High Street site. However, further discussions are required before we are able to present designs to the public. This work is progressing at speed.”

Full details of the public events will be confirmed in due course. Designs will also be posted on the Network Rail website: www.networkrail.co.uk/lincoln

Feedback and comments can be posted to the dedicated email address: [email protected]

A planning application for the Brayford site will be submitted in December 2012 with an application for High Street following in due course.

Network Rail remains committed to the closure of level crossings wherever possible. However the company has accepted that both crossings in Lincoln need to remain open at present.

Lincolnshire County Council is developing plans to reduce traffic to a single lane over the level crossings in order to accommodate the footprint of the bridges. These proposals will follow due process.