Network Rail puts plans for 'misused' level crossing bridge on hold

The Brayford Wharf footbridge was planned to be sited close to the University of Lincoln's main campus

Plans to build a footbridge on the site of a "misused" level crossing in Lincoln have been put on hold.

Network Rail said the current plans for a pedestrian bridge at Brayford Wharf East were unaffordable.

It previously said the bridge was necessary to discourage pedestrians from "misusing the crossing and putting their lives at risk".

Conservative MP for Lincoln, Karl McCartney, said the announcement was disappointing.

There have been a number of near misses at both crossings, which have seen pedestrians trying to cross when warnings have started, Network Rail said

A Network Rail spokesman said: "We are still trying to move forward with a new footbridge at Brayford Wharf East but planning conditions, as a result of its sensitive location, has made the current plan unaffordable.

"As with all public funded companies, money is tight but we remain committed to reducing the risk at all of our level crossings.

"We are now talking to the university, the local authority and others about how we might find extra funds, or how we might be able to alter our plans to make them more affordable."

Work on a new footbridge over the High Street level crossing is going ahead as planned.

In response to the announcement about the Brayford Wharf crossing, Mr McCartney said: "Network Rail's decision to push more freight through the centre of Lincoln means that public safety will be put at risk if we do not have a footbridge over both our city centre level crossings.

"The only alternative is to begin to limit the amount of freight on the East Coast Main Line that diverts through Lincoln to free-up capacity."

He added: "I will make it my business to be a problem to all involved in the fiasco and will use all influences at my disposal... to ensure that promises are kept to the people of Lincoln."