The level crossing at Newark Castle is being refurbished in May to provide a smoother and more robust road surface for thousands of the town's motorists.
From 9 pm on Friday, 6th May until 6:30 am on Monday, 9th May, Network Rail workers will renew the crossing's road surface and railway tracks, over which around 89 trains a day travel between Nottingham and Lincoln.
For the duration of the work, the Great North Road over the level crossing will be closed to cars, bikes, and pedestrians, and a signed diversion will be in place.
At the same time, Network Rail engineers will be upgrading the track between Nottingham and Lincoln to boost reliability. This means that on Saturday, 7th and Sunday, 8th May there will be no trains between the two cities with a rail-replacement bus service in operation.
By scheduling the two pieces of work at the same time, there will be less disruption for passengers in the long term. People wishing to travel during the weekend should check their journey with National Rail or their train operator.
Gary Walsh, East Midlands Route Director for Network Rail, said: “Level crossings not only help to keep people safely away from moving trains, but they also provide vital routes through towns and communities. That's why I'm pleased to see this work happening to make a smoother, more robust road for drivers in Newark.
“We're taking full advantage of nearby track work to deliver as many improvements as we can in a single weekend. There will be some changes to services and a road closure in place, so I'd advise people to plan ahead and allow extra time.
“I know that there has been some recent concerns around the reliability of level crossings in Newark. I'd like to reassure people that we're continuing to look at how we could provide a better service for drivers in the town.”
People are reminded of how important it is to use level crossings safely by taking extra care and following the signs.
Guidance for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists can be found at Level crossing safety – Network Rail.
Enjoy that MR signal box while you can. NR want to demolish it and I think it will go in the next year or so. I did try to get it listed but with no success. Shame, as with a repaint it would be an attractive feature as you enter Newark.
Surprising news: the box has been repainted and the rickety stairs repaired. Really looks the part now. Of course a cynic would remember that in Beeching days they would modernise a line before closing it, but well done to NR.