Lincoln’s railways are under pressure from huge amounts of train traffic, according to experts.
As it stands currently, there is no alternative route for freight trains – a factor that contributes heavily to Lincoln’s railway problems.
However, the amount of time people have to wait at level crossings in Lincoln could be eased by building a brand new rail line in Gainsborough, a Lincolnshire group has suggested.
David Harby, chairman of the campaigning group Railfuture Lincolnshire, has said that the amount of freight trains running through the city could be reduced by building a new loop at Gainsborough.
The two city-centre level crossings can often remain closed to people and vehicles for several minutes at a time, causing vehicles to become stuck in traffic and pedestrians to risk their lives to beat the slowly descending barriers.
Harby’s solution would reduce traffic congestion to only 15 freight trains per day, and would even increase the number of passenger services.
However, Harby has also reported that up to 120 trains, including freight, could still run through Lincoln, even if others are re-routed, and warned that unless bus services are expanded, Lincoln would become “one huge car park” within the next 30 years.
A new footbridge is currently being built over over the High Street, and aims to be completed in 2016.