Public welcoming of footbridge plans over Lincoln level crossing, says Network Rail
Network Rail says its plans for a new footbridge over the railway line in Lincoln were broadly welcomed by visitors to the showcase at the Brayford last week.
More than 150 people viewed plans for during a two-day exhibition.
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The plans are discussed by Network Rail media relations manager Rachel Lowe, right, with Connie Brodribb and Chloe Mitchell
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An artist's impression of the proposed bridge crossing railway line in Brayford Wharf East, Lincoln
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An artist's impression of the proposed bridge crossing railway line in Brayford Wharf East, Lincoln
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An artist's impression of the proposed bridge crossing railway line in Brayford Wharf East, Lincoln
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An artist's impression of the proposed bridge crossing railway line in Brayford Wharf East, Lincoln
A planning application for the bridge, which includes lifts at each end, is expected to be submitted in December.
Nick Curtis, 37, who lives in the west end of Lincoln, said: "I think this is long overdue.
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"It looks quite a big structure but I suppose it has to be.
"It is so modern in this part of town anyway. Overall, it looks like quite a good scheme."
Retired midwife, Sue Hathaway, 56, from Lincoln, said she supports the scheme in principle.
"But I think they should have started with the High Street end first.
"It's a nightmare trying to get around Lincoln when the barriers go down.
"I was stuck at the High Street crossing for 15 minutes in the rain the other day.
"But I think what they're planning for the Brayford crossing is a monstrosity.
"I know they have to cater for disabled access, but why can't they do something like an iron footbridge?"
A proposal for a bridge over the High Street level crossing will go out for public consultation in the New Year.
Network Rail spokesman Rachel Lowe said: "We recognise that the High Street will take longer but we are really keen to get going in Brayford Wharf East.
"Now, it is starting to become a reality."
The company has confirmed that access to pedestrians and vehicles will remain at ground level when the barriers are up.
Traffic will cross the tracks in single file.
Paul Coathup, assistant highways director at the county council, said: "We're working with Network Rail to see what highways improvements would be needed to support their plans for footbridges at the level crossings.
"In order to facilitate this, we are exploring ways in which we can make road space available to widen the footpath and provide space for the bridges.
"This could involve putting in a one-way system clockwise, northbound along Brayford Wharf East and southbound along the High Street to the junction with Tentercroft Street, to free up the necessary road space."
Jonathan Baker, a 24-year-old solicitor who lives on the first floor of Witham Wharf, said: "I think it's an interesting solution to a problem that shouldn't really exist in the first place.
"Not many cities can claim to have an enormous footbridge right in the heart of the city centre.
"However, it seems to be the only practical solution. With the surrounding area generally being modern or recently developed buildings, we may as well embrace the uniqueness of the solution with an eye-catching design."
Comments
by Linc0lnTriker
Monday, October 29 2012, 11:06AM
“"I went to the exhibition and expressed by concerns about the bridge
They were simply NOT prepared to listen"
Saxilby Mick they have probably read some of your comments on previous articles about this bridge and like me, have come to the conclusion, that the opinions of a man from SAXILBY about a bridge to be built in LINCOLN wouldn't be worth thier time.
On another point how much time do you spend loitering at the University, for this bridge to offend you so much?”
by TB78WHlNE
Monday, October 29 2012, 9:30AM
“"Who took the original bridge on High Street down? Was it network Rail!"
Unlikely, given that they didn't exist at the time.”
by Vexxed
Monday, October 29 2012, 9:24AM
“How long has this been going on for? Just build the damn thing! I'll bet most of the budget has gone on talking about it.”
by Saxilby_Mick
Monday, October 29 2012, 9:17AM
“I went to the exhibition and expressed by concerns about the bridge
They were simply NOT prepared to listen”
by Whiley45
Monday, October 29 2012, 8:58AM
“Who took the original bridge on High Street down? Was it network Rail!”
by Nodroggy
Sunday, October 28 2012, 6:54PM
“bob234, no problem, when it is pouring with rain and the barriers are down for 15 minutes - just stand there in the rain, I will look out for you and give you a wave!”
by 917199
Friday, October 26 2012, 11:35PM
“I totally disagree with the artist image, he's missed the moons reflection in the brayford, makes the bridge look a right mess.”
by M_C_Donald
Friday, October 26 2012, 10:23PM
“Agreed regarding the design.
I hate to imagine what state these lifts will be in after a few months of: drunken revellers fooling around/throwing up/urinating in them, smackheads shooting up in them, being wallpapered with fly posters. They will become that last thing the disabled and elderly will want to use.”
by OldDave
Friday, October 26 2012, 8:59AM
“There seems to have been a distinct lack of publicity for the Network Rail presentation, I certainly saw nothing about it. A better place for it may have been the Cornhill in town, maybe they would have got a wider spread of views from the public. Whatever, the point is moot now.
My question would be "Why do we need a footbridge on the Brayford ?" Has the University petitioned for it ? After all, there is already a footbridge for their students on campus - do they really need two bridges ?
From the plans, it looks quite a monstrosity. I did not know it will include lifts for the disabled, could be easier than a ramp but a bit restricting regarding numbers per hour that can use it, and where are they going to queue to use it ?
Frankly, I do not see a need of this bridge. High Street yes, Brayford no.”
by Oldernwiser
Thursday, October 25 2012, 4:49PM
“Well, Gnome - shall we try the following?
When the barriers are up, pedestrians can walk across the railway and motorists can drive across - just as they do now.
But, in a day and age of media-speak, I'd suggest that it probably doesn't pay to expect Crystal Mark clarity from company spokespeople.
And, sadly, it equally often doesn't pay to expect journalists to vary the text with which they're provided.”