Lincolnshire coast rail improvements complete

Rail passengers on the Lincolnshire coast will have a smoother ride after Network Rail completes track improvement this month. The work involves replacing 500 yards of rail, ballast and sleepers at Wainfleet on the Boston to Skegness line. Tony Raine, general manager for Network Rail, said: “In recent years we have invested more than £20m renewing this line. Not only will this make passengers journey more comfortable but the track will be more reliable too. This is the last stage which will affect train services – any remaining work can be completed when trains are not scheduled to run. “This project is already delivering huge benefits to the thousands of people who use this route. We are getting extra value by using recycled materials on an unprecedented scale, resulting in massive amounts of track replaced quickly saving money and carbon.” The track between Boston and Skegness was opened in 1873 and has suffered from years of underinvestment. It is an important line for both residents and visitors and this work will give a new lease of life to the route. Work to renew the line has been scheduled around the busy summer season at Skegness. East Midlands Trains route manager for Lincolnshire and Norfolk, Nigel Carlisle, said: “The completion of this work is great news for passengers. We are already seeing the benefits of these improvements which provide the potential for improved journey times between Boston and Skegness as well as delivering smoother journeys for our customers.” Replacement buses will run between Boston and Skegness on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 March while the work is completed. A full road and footpath closure is needed on Station Road that weekend and over midweek nights to allow the works to be completed safely. Free transport will be provided to give people access to the town centre via the diversion route from 22.00 Saturday 23 March to 07.00 Monday 26 March.