90mph plan to slash rail times
Train journey times from Lincoln to Newark and Nottingham could be dramatically slashed under multi-million pound plans.
The radical proposals could cut travel times between Lincoln and Nottingham by 17 minutes – chopping a journey down from 52 to 35 minutes.
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Lincoln Central Train station
Trips between Lincoln and Newark could also be shortened to around 17 minutes – from around 25 at present.
And train speeds could surge to 90mph – far faster than at present – with level crossing barriers on the route kept down for shorter periods.
A £51 million cash pot has been provisionally allocated to allow the scheme to go ahead in 2014.
Under the plans, officials say the number of trains per hour between Lincoln and Nottingham could also increase from one to two.
The move would be the biggest improvement in rail services in the region for many years.
Cllr Roger Blaney, deputy leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said it could trigger a massive boost to the economy both in Lincoln and in the region.
"From a Lincoln perspective, it should be hugely welcomed," he said.
Statistics compiled by council officials show that while the 34-mile journey between Lincoln and Nottingham now takes around 52 minutes, other similar trips are far quicker.
For example, a journey from Crewe to Shrewsbury is of similar length – but takes 22 minutes less.
The fastest average speed between Nottingham and Lincoln is just 43mph – almost 30mph slower than a similar route between Stirling and Perth.
Officials behind the new scheme hope to improve journey times by ironing out inefficiencies in the way the system currently works.
The amount of time level crossings along the route are down for could be one of the things that are cut.
A detailed study to endorse the plans will be completed by January next year.
10 Comments
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by Ivor the Engine, Wales
Monday, March 08 2010, 5:58PM
“The accompanying photo shows a lack of trains in Lincoln Station. I wonder which will come first - Improved Rail travel, The Eastern Relief Road or a Blue Moon!”
by dean, lincoln
Monday, March 08 2010, 3:11PM
“do they still hv only two carriages cramped in like sardines i can remeber when there was more than two n there was plenty of room i went on train recently to notting ham u hv to fight to get a seat”
by Martin, Lincoln/London
Monday, March 08 2010, 1:39PM
“"I use the train daily because it is quicker and more cost effectve than commuiting by car"
Which is true if you're going to Lincoln and back from Saxilby, and these works probably wouldn't affect that line - but if you're commuting from Lincoln to Newark or needing the ECML as I do fairly often, you couldn't drive that fast anyways all the way to Newark.
You can't drive from Newark to London in 1:17, I can assure you.
Actually line speed improvements are long overdue, we probably should get electrified lines while they're spending money so we don't have to do it later with another large wedge of cash.”
by welsh, highland railway
Monday, March 08 2010, 12:56PM
“Chris, there is another example of railway tracks crossing on the level at Porthmadoc.”
by Basic IT skills, please
Monday, March 08 2010, 12:41PM
“And why do you use lines containing a single full stop to separate your paragraphs?
There's no need for it.
Honestly.
See?”