Network Rail will be carrying out upgrade work on the level crossing on Lincoln High Street from Christmas Eve and will be ongoing through the Christmas period, opening again on the 27th of December for pedestrians.

Engineers will alter the level crossing’s complex structure so that the track becomes level with the road in a bid to support those using wheelchairs, pushchairs or bicycles in making a smoother crossing.

The project will cost £200,000 and will see the current road dug up through the level crossing, fresh tarmac laid and new road markings applied.

From 22.00 on Saturday the 24th of December to 07.00 on Tuesday the 27th of December the level crossing will be closed to both pedestrians and vehicles and will be fully fenced off in order to keep the public and rail staff safe.

During the work, the footbridge and lift which is over the level crossing will be fully open, providing an alternative route for pedestrians by using Brayford Wharf East.

All businesses will be open as normal whilst the work is underway.

Train passengers will not be affected by the work due to no services operating on either Christmas Day or Boxing Day.

Gary Walsh, Network Rail‘s East Midlands Route Director, said: “This project will make a huge difference to shoppers, businesses and the local community. Lincoln High Street is a busy thoroughfare, and the upgrade will make it easier for people with bikes, pushchairs and wheelchairs to use the crossing safely.

“Our teams will be working over the Christmas period while no trains are running to deliver these benefits without impacting passengers. I’m really pleased that businesses on the high street and the accessible footbridge will all be open as usual so that people can still get to where they need to be.”