Drivers are being warned to brace themselves as Network Rail diverts an extra 50 trains a day through Spalding for two days later this month.
If the level crossing on Winsover Road is closed for just three minutes a time, the gates will be closed for an extra hour-and-a-half in total each day.
The traffic can back-up massively whenever there is any issue with the crossing gates, and an extra 50 trains will add to the pressure.
But Network Rail says the work has to be done, and trains diverted.
“We will be carrying out essential work on the East Coast Main Line between Grantham and Doncaster on Tuesday, May 16 and Wednesday, May 17,” said a statement from the company.
“Engineering works normally take place over the weekend, however this is part of a trial to deliver work midweek instead. This is because long-distance services are busier at the weekend, therefore this will reduce the impact engineering work can have on passengers.”
The company is urging passengers to plan ahead and check before travelling.
London North Eastern Railway, Grand Central and Hull Trains are all diverting services via Spalding to provide through journeys to keep passengers moving by train between London and West Yorkshire, Hull, North Yorkshire, the North East and Scotland although journey times will be increased.
“We’re always looking for ways we can reduce waiting times at level crossings and we recognise the impact this can have on local residents and road users in the town, however on this occasion as it is only taking place over two days, there won’t be any specific mitigations in place,” said a Network Rail spokesman.
The usual LNER London to Lincoln direct service which usually runs every two hours, will not be running. Passengers travelling between the two cities will be asked to change at Peterborough for connecting services.
