TALKS with Network Rail to solve Lincoln's level crossing problems are stalling, say council officials.

Lincolnshire County Council is hoping to build a £20 million east-west link road and a pedestrian footbridge, to ease congestion in the High Street area.

But the authority's Conservative executive yesterday heard progress was not being made in securing funding from Network Rail.

Fears were also expressed that any cash help from the rail operator could lead to a request for the High Street barriers shutting permanently.

Assistant director for highways and traffic Paul Coathup said: "Our discussions are not as fruitful as we would like with colleagues in the rail industry."

Mr Coathup said negotiations would continue with the Department for Transport and rail officials next month.

As reported in the Echo, the link road's route would be from Tritton Road to Pelham Bridge. If approved, it would be completed in three phases, with the first set to begin in 2013.

This would be before rail traffic travelling through Lincoln increases in December 2013, with the level crossing barriers expected to be down for a longer period each day.

The worst-case scenario is 40 minutes every hour.

The county council's aim is to pedestrianise the High Street between Tentercroft Street and St Mary's Street in an effort to direct traffic to the new route.

A planning application for the east-west link road is due to be submitted in spring. Councillor Eddy Poll said: "The difficulty we are having with the rail industry is they see this as a road scheme.

"The only reason we are considering doing this now is because of the increased congestion of rail traffic.

"This is not a road scheme but a mitigation scheme."

Highways portfolio holder Councillor William Webb added: "They have told us the increase in down time of the barriers will start by December 2013, so there is some urgency to mitigate the situation and prevent a complete snarl up in the city centre before that time."

Network Rail spokesman Rachel Lowe said: "We are very aware of the concerns around Lincoln High Street level crossing and our people do all they can to make sure the barriers are down for the minimum time possible while maintaining a safe and reliable railway.

"With the proposed pedestrianisation of the High Street, there are a number of options available to the authorities.

"Network Rail has offered support in identifying potential technical solutions and this offer has been accepted by Lincolnshire County Council. We look forward to working with the authority's officers in the coming months.

"We believe there is an opportunity to improve pedestrian movement on High Street in the vicinity of the railway and that, by working together, a footbridge or underpass could be provided in conjunction with the level crossing closure."