Network Rail - Great Northern Great Eastern line

Problems of noise

I have previously reported on Network Rail's upgrade of the Great Northern Great Eastern line.

I now see Stephen Phillips QC MP has sought a debate in the House of Commons to highlight the significant problems encountered by many residents who live close to the 'improved' line. He should be commended for highlighting this issue... and I hope there will be a positive outcome for those people inconvenienced by the upgrade.

Even though our cottage is situated half a mile (approx. 0.8 km) away from the upgraded rail line, we have noticed increased noise in the village. Prior to the upgrade, it was only on a rare occasion we heard rail traffic... now it is frequent.

It must be very troublesome for those residents whose properties actually back on to the line and they deserve some compensation for the inconvenience and possible reduction in value of their asset and lifestyle.

Upcoming Business - Commons: Debate in Westminster Hall (5 May 2016)

Compensation for residents affected by the upgrade of the Great Northern Great Eastern railway line - Stephen Phillips.

Parliamentary debate 5/5/16: Compensation for residents affected by the upgrade of the Great Northern Great Eastern railway line

This is a short overview of the issues that may be discussed in the debate in Westminster Hall on 5 May 2016 between 1.30 and 3.00pm.

http://researchbriefings.parliament.uk/ResearchBriefing/Summary/CDP-2016-0099

Coverage of the meeting

Meeting started at 1.30pm, ended 4.24pm

http://www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/aaea93eb-b361-4cc8-912b-6b040b99efeb

Full Transcript

https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2016-05-05/debates/160505108000001/GreatNorthernGreatEasternUpgradeCompensation#contribution-160505108000007

Network Rail - Great Northern Great Eastern line

More trains, faster journeys

'To deliver more services and faster journeys, we’ve upgraded the Great Northern Great Eastern line that supports the East Coast Main Line. This £280m improvement programme was completed in early 2014.'

http://www.networkrail.co.uk/improvements/Great-Northern-Great-Eastern/

Claire Perry officially opens £280 million Lincolnshire rail improvements (9 Mar 2015)

'Rail Minister sees how Great Northern Great Eastern line upgrade is improving freight links and increasing capacity.'

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/claire-perry-officially-opens-280-million-lincolnshire-rail-improvements

Transport: Great Northern Great Eastern Upgrade (28 Jan 2016)

'What discussions he has had with Network Rail on compensation for residents affected by the upgrade of the great northern great eastern line.' [Stephen Phillips]

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2016-01-28a.406.3&p=24915

Transport Petition (13 Jan 2015)

Observations from the Secretary of State for Transport

'I recognise the concerns that local residents may have about the prospect of increased rail freight traffic through North Werrington. However, the developments that Network Rail is undertaking on the Great Northern/Great Eastern Joint Line through Lincoln will benefit both freight and passenger services, by reducing the need for rail freight services between Peterborough and Doncaster to use the East Coast Main Line. This will provide scope for increased, and more reliable, passenger services on the East Coast Main Line while retaining the ability of the rail freight sector to compete effectively with road haulage—in turn reducing congestion and pollution on the road network.

The Joint Line is, of course, already in daily use for both passenger and freight rail services and there is therefore no automatic obligation upon Network Rail to introduce noise or particulate mitigation measures for increases in service levels. Nonetheless, if, over time, the development of the line leads to a demonstrable increase in noise, vibration and pollution for local residents, there is guidance available on Network Rail’s website at http://www.networkrail.co.uk/aspx/1030.aspx on how to raise concerns. The Department will, however, write to Network Rail to ensure that the company is aware of local residents’ worries about the possible impacts.

I am afraid that the responsibilities of the Department for Transport do not run to the determination of council tax levels. This is a matter for Peterborough City Council. In line with the Coalition Government’s commitment to localism, Ministers and officials have no remit to intervene in the day-to-day affairs of local authorities except where specific provision has been made in legislation.'

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201415/cmhansrd/cm150113/petntext/150113p0001.htm

Great Northern Great Eastern Rail Line

Level crossing danger warning due to faster trains on GNGE line

'People are being warned to take extra care on level crossings because work to upgrade a railway line is making trains faster and quieter.'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-28809937

Network Rail completes latest signalling works on GNGE line

'Network Rail has completed its work to bring 15 miles of new signalling into service on the Great Northern Great Eastern (GNGE) line.'

http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Awards-contracts-appointments/network-rail-completes-latest-signalling-works-on-gnge-line

Three interesting blog discussions about the GNGE line

Project Managers Having Fun In The Easthttp://anonw.wordpress.com/2014/06/15/project-managers-having-fun-in-the-east/

Will The Updated GNGE Affect Lincolnshire?http://anonw.wordpress.com/2014/06/27/will-the-updated-gnge-affect-lincolnshire/

What Will A Reopened March And Wisbech Railway Mean?http://anonw.wordpress.com/2014/07/23/what-will-a-reopened-march-and-wisbech-railway-mean/

Renewing the Great Northern Great Eastern rail network

'A programme of essential renewals between Peterborough and Doncaster via Spalding, Lincoln and Gainsborough on the East Coast Main Line.'

http://www.networkrail.co.uk/improvements/Great-Northern-Great-Eastern/

Road closure



Network Rail

Securing the banking

As part of the GNGE project to improve the railway from Peterborough to Doncaster via Lincoln, Network Rail is continuing to make improvements.

Key elements of the GNGE project include:

• a new signalling system leading to increased capacity and faster trains;
• continuous welded rail, reducing noise and vibration
• replacement of 34 bridges to allow modern freight trains to use the line
• the largest ever programme of level crossing modernisation, helping to minimise barrier down times and improve road layouts
• replacements of barrow crossings at stations to enhance safety and improve access for all users

The GNGE project is being delivered by an alliance of companies comprising Network Rail, Babcock International, Carillion and Siemens.

Not only has there been a considerable investment in replacing many of the road bridges (e.g. Wellhead Lane and Main Street) and improving railway crossings (e.g. Metheringham), there is further work being carried out to stabilise the rail banking too. All of the overhanging vegetation has been removed with overlying mesh installed to secure the ground.

Network Rail - banking stabilisation

N.B: The photograph was taken from the Nocton Estate road bridge just off the B1188

Parish Council

Notes on the Parish Council Meeting Tuesday 2 July 2013

Network Rail GNGE Project
Mark Walker and his team from Network Rail gave a presentation to the Parish Council and some of the residents on the recent works that have been carried out on the bridges and tracks in our area as part of the multi-million pound project to upgrade the line from Grantham to Doncaster.

In 2008, the East Coast passenger rail line was at full capacity and Network Rail decided to upgrade the passenger and freight lines, so that in the future more freight could travel on the existing lines and all trains run faster.  Tracks, signaling, tunnels and additional infrastructure have all been upgraded and this has resulted in the potential for “our” track to take four more trains an hour, should the need arise.  Trains can now travel at least 30% faster, meaning quicker journeys and less time waiting at the barriers.

The government has to make CO² savings to meet emission criteria and getting any additional (or even existing) lorries off the roads would make a significant saving.

Concerns as to lots of additional trains and hazardous freight were dispelled.  At the moment, it is not envisaged that any extra trains will run and hazardous freight is not carried on this line.  The Wellhead embankment has been tidied up and the planting of hedging on the B1202 is being addressed as the contractors are bound to replace the area to its original state as far as possible.  Unfortunately, we can do nothing about the design of the finished bridges!

Police
Two crimes of theft were reported last month – at one of the pumping stations and red diesel from Wasps Nest.  The police (after giving chase) managed to apprehend the person suspected of taking the red diesel and he is now in custody.

Best Kept Village
A big thank you was given to all who had participated in the recent ’Tidy Days” clean up.  Regrettably, however, the BKV Inspectors had already carried out the first round of judging a few days earlier although it is hoped that enough had already been done to get Nocton through the first round and we are now really ready for the second inspection.

However, the cutting back of verges and long grass uncovered quite a lot of dog mess, especially along the Dunston bridle path and in the church yard – so owners please clean up after your dogs. 

Village Hall
Sadly, Philip Franklin has had to retire as Chair due to health reasons.  I, personally, will be sorry to lose him as Chair of our Village Hall Working Party that is making good progress in getting the constitution sorted out, so that the future of our Hall and how it is run and maintained is secured.

Bridge and McFarland (solicitors) are to be asked to make sure that the documents are on the right track as they have already had similar dealings with another local Village Hall.

Central Lincolnshire Allocation Preliminary Consultation
It is proposed that some 42,000 new homes should be provided in the Central Lincolnshire area over the coming years, with some 2,375 of these being located in the smaller hamlets and villages (of which Nocton is classified as one).  All residents are encouraged to submit their own comments as part of the current consultation process on this extremely important matter.  Further details are available on the Central Lincolnshire Joint Planning Unit’s website at www.central-lincs.org.uk/ldf.

The Council has submitted its own comprehensive response to the proposals expressing concern at the impact which they might have on the area in general and on Nocton in particular.  reference has been made to the views of residents as expressed in the recently adopted Parish Plan which is against further large-scale development in the village.  Residents are invited to view the Council’s response which is available on the Parish Council’s own website.

Given the importance of having a Neighbourhood Plan for our area, it was agreed that the Chair contact Potterhanworth and Dunston Parish Councils with a view to exploring the potential for developing such a Plan covering all of these villages.

To close on this theme and to highlight the impact of having a Plan, a company with interest in putting in a solar farm on part of the old hospital site has contacted the Parish Council.  Our clerk will pass the owner’s (LEDA) details onto them, and let them know that the Nocton Parish Plan demonstrates that this kind of development is perfectly in keeping with residents’ wishes.

There will be no Parish Council Meeting in August so we look forward to seeing you on Tuesday 3 September at 7pm.

“it's a smile, it's a kiss, it's a sip of wine ... it's summertime!”  
Councillor MaryAnn Williams

Parish Council

Report of the Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 4 June 2013

Apologies were received from our two District Councillors and County Councillor.

Welcome
The Parish Council welcomed Graham Jones who had been elected (uncontested) to the vacancy on the Parish Council.  Graham has already agreed to investigate the possibility of establishing a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme in the village!

Village Hall Management Committee
Councillor Summers, our representative on the Committee, gave his report on its May meeting.  If you want to see the minutes of this, or any other VHMC meeting, they are on the Parish Council’s website under Village Hall.  Remember it is up to you to let your Village Hall affiliated club member representative, or your village representative, know your views on any matter relating to the Hall, so that they can deal with it on your behalf.

Post Box
Some good news!  After much “badgering” of Royal Mail by the Clerk and Councillor Goldsworthy, at long last it is now likely that once Mr. Sowerby (as the land owner) has given his blessing, a post box will again be available in the Nocton Park area.  It is intended to place the box on the corner of Nocton Park Road and Woodlands Avenue.

SID
It appears that the Speed Indicator Device (SID) has now been located and should be deployed in Nocton soon.  Rather too late for the residents of Wellhead Lane during the recent B1202 road closure, but your Parish Council has put forward an official complaint that when most needed, SID was not available.  Spot checks with hand held speed guns will, however, continue in the area…… so beware and keep your speed down when driving through the village!

Parking on the Village Green
At the request of a local resident, the Parish Council reviewed its recent decision not to allow parking on the Village Green and is now looking at the feasibility of allowing up to two parking “slots” for disabled and/or elderly people visiting the Church or School.

Youth Group
A constructive meeting between two members of the original CLAN committee and the Chair and Vice-chair has resulted in the Parish Council seeking advice on how to get this much needed Youth Group off the ground.  A leader is now being sought!  There are plenty of young people and adults all wishing to get involved in this important venture, all that is required is someone to head up the group until it becomes self-sustaining.  Are you interested in helping?  If so, please contact one of your parish councillors who will pass your details on to the residents looking at the initiative so that they can give you more information on what’s involved.

Following completion of the works to the bridges on the B1202 and Wellhead Lane, the Parish Council has arranged for a representative of Network Rail to attend the next meeting to talk about the scheme to modernise the Great Northern/Great Eastern (GNGE) Joint railway line between Peterborough and Doncaster via Lincoln (of which works to these bridges are a part) and to explain any implications for the local community.   If you have any questions you would like to ask Network Rail let our Clerk, Steve Altridge, know at least a week before the meeting either by telephone (01526 321760) or email: noctonparishcouncil@hotmail.co.uk

Finally, a reminder.  If you would like to see a copy of the full Nocton Community Plan then go to either our website http://parishes.lincolnshire.gov.uk/Nocton/ or contact the Clerk who has hard copies to loan.

“Bees do have a smell, you know, and if they don't they should, for their feet are dusted with spices from a million flowers.”

Next Meeting Tuesday 2 July 2013 at 7pm                  Councillor MaryAnn Williams

Village Hall Working Group

You may also like to see the outcome of my query on the progress of this group. This would appear to be a convenient location to publish it. My email was as follows:

Email to Clerk of Nocton Parish Council dated 31st May 2013

"Hi Steve,

I would like to enquire about the following in readiness for the Parish Council meeting on 4th June:

• I see from the published Terms of Reference for the Working Group that the Parish Council requested a report within 3 months of the first meeting date.
• I seem to remember the first meeting was held before the end of February.
• The Agenda for 4th June does not make any mention of a report to be considered from the Working Group, although one is due to be submitted.

I would like to know:

• When will the 3 month report be considered by the Parish Council?
• When will this be made available for local residents to study?
• If there is going to be a delay with the 3 month report, will there be an interim progress report from the Working Group for local residents to examine and if not, why not – it is after all a village asset?

Kind Regards,

Geoff "

 

The reply was as follows:
 

Email from Clerk of Nocton Parish Council dated 6th June 2013

 

"Hi Geoff

 

Thank you for your email of 31 May. Although the Parish Council has received brief reports at its meetings on the work of the VH Working Group from either myself or the PC's two representatives thereon, you are correct in that it has yet to consider the matter formally. Whilst it was hoped that the Working Group would have finished the first part of its work within three months, it has become clear that the issues are potentially more complex - and certainly more time-consuming - than was originally envisaged.

 

In the circumstances, it is intended that a report on progress will be considered at the Special Meeting to be held on 25th June which has been convened to consider the PC's Annual Accounts. I do not yet know what form this report will take as it may depend upon the outcome of discussions at the Working Group's next meeting.
 

Finally, I note that your email was sent to my personal address rather than to that of the Parish Council. May I please ask that you refrain from using this to contact me in the future and to delete it from your address book. I have also copied this email to the Chair and the Vice-Chair of the PC for their information.

Many thanks and kind regards.
Steve"

Bridge Works

Network Rail

With both access roads re-opened into the village, perhaps it is time to see what has been left behind by Network Rail following their bridge improvements. I'm not sure whether any further remedial work is envisaged, but if not there are a few things still to attend to in my opinion.

On Wellhead Lane, the four recesses that were excavated to enable the huge crane to extend its stabilising legs, have now been back-filled with gabions, hard-core and soil. Is this the finished state I wonder?

There is still compacted earth/rubble on the two footways under the new bridge which should have been cleared and levelled to enable safe pedestrian use. The road under the bridge has always held water in wet weather, so it is crucial the drains have been cleared of all construction debris and that the footpaths are a safe refuge from traffic at this 'pinch point'. It is to be hoped that all the loose soil that has been laid doesn't wash into the road in bad weather, particularly as there are now drain pipes to remove excess water from the rear edge of the bridge walls.

Perhaps some consideration needs to be given to seeding the renovated banking, preferably with a wildflower/grass mix to provide a useful habitat for wildlife, but mainly to bond the ground again?

New gabions in place

Earth banking

On the B1202, there are different issues that may need to be attended to, both relating to safety.

Post and rail fencing has been erected adjacent to the new concrete bridge parapet, but I am surprised Armco barrier hasn't been installed in this location to protect the rail network in the event of a road accident. There have been numerous accounts of stray vehicles accessing the rail network in other parts of the country and a wooden post/rail fence doesn't really provide sufficient protection so close to the steep rail banking. Furthermore, on the other side of the bridge an access hatch has been damaged in the verge. This is a potential hazard as the concrete lid is protruding close to the highway. One only hopes this is scheduled for a repair.

Post and rail fence - the only protection to the rail banking.

I see from the Clerk's report for the Parish Council meeting tonight, that a representative from Network Rail has agreed to attend the July meeting. Perhaps these concerns can be raised then?

Bridge Works

Almost there

New road surface

Infill for lifting eyes on parapet

Ready for laying brick insert to old arch

Bridge Works

Progressing well

Foundation of road almost ready for resurfacing

Pedestrian footways good to see



Scheduled to reopen on 25 May at 5.00pm

Bridge Works

B1202

Four parapet segments each side

Preparation for insertion of further parapet segments

Twelve individual parapet segments each side

Extensive reinforcing ready for laying concrete

Bridge Works

B1202



Conarch overbridge



Reinforced concrete parapet units

Reinforcing rods for the road

View up towards B1188

Bridge Works

B1202

Road closed to access

Reveal of the abutments



Sarens Liebherr LTM Crane

Preparation for the new bridge insert

Exceptionally tidy work by Network Rail

Bridge sections waiting to be lifted into place

Liebherr LTM Hydraulic heavy lift machinery

 

Travel Update

Last day of replacement buses on Lincoln to Sleaford rail link

Bridge works by Network Rail continue at Nocton, where road diversions are still in place.

http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/TRAVEL-UPDATE-day-replacement-buses-Lincoln/story-18709727-detail/story.html

http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/TRAVEL-Roadworks-continue-major-delays-reported/story-18728259-detail/story.html

Bridge Works - B1202

One minute it was there, the next it was gone!




Dismantling Lincoln Lane bridge

Removing the brick walls and road surface

 

and there it was... gone... with only the abutments remaining!

New Rail Bridge

New bridge deck in place

U-Type bridge deck and ballast tray

New cill beams and Kee-clamp handrails

New cill beams and bearings

Close view of bearing

New bridge for Wellhead Lane

Road scheduled to open at 0800hrs on 13 April

Bridge Improvements

Network Rail

The work on the two bridges leading into Nocton is moving on a pace. The arches beneath the bridge on the B1202 have now been filled and sealed, and scaffolding is in place for further works to take place.

B1202 - North side

B1202 - South side

For the time-being, attention seems to have shifted to Wellhead Lane. A new compound has been erected and the steep road banks are being cleared of vegetation in preparation for the heavy lifting equipment to operate safely.

New compound - off Wellhead Lane

Clearing vegetation - Wellhead Lane

Preparation for heavy crane to operate safely

This must be an expensive investment for Network Rail, but is long overdue. I'm sure the village will be appreciative of the remedial works once complete. However, there are rumours that the freight rail traffic will increase quite substantially along this line, that is why the work is taking place. We shall see.

Road Closures

Essential maintenance works by Network Rail

The following letter was issued by Lincolnshire County Council, Traffic Orders on 29th February 2013:

"Dear Sir/Madam

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE:  Greater Lincoln & Gainsborough Area

Please note it will be necessary to impose a temporary restriction to all vehicular traffic on the road(s) detailed below.

Reason For Closures: 
Essential maintenance works by Network Rail (GNGE Project)

Location:  Station Road Railway Bridge
(SPD2/34, O/S Map Ref TF 046 660), Potterhanworth
Dates/Times:  08.00 Hrs 22/3/2013 to 17.00 Hrs 12/4/2013
Alternative Route:  B1178 Station Road, B1188, B1202 Nocton Road, B1178 Station Road & Vice Versa

Location:  Wellhead Lane Railway Bridge
(SPD2/30, O/S Map Ref TF 049 642), Nocton
Dates/Times:  08.00 Hrs 29/3/2013 to 08.00 Hrs 13/4/2013
Alternative Route:  Wellhead Lane, B1188, B1202 & Vice Versa

Location:  Moor Lane Railway Bridge
(SPD2/37, O/S Map Ref TF 037 766), Branston
Dates/Times:  08.00 Hrs 29/3/2013 to 17.00 Hrs 19/4/2013
Alternative Route: 
Local diversion routes & access arrangements will be signposted

Location:  Potterhanworth Road Railway Bridge
(SPD2/36, O/S Map Ref TF 042 699), Branston
Dates/Times:  08.00 Hrs 29/3/2013 to 17.00 Hrs 19/4/2013
Alternative Route: 
Local diversion routes & access arrangements will be signposted

Location:  Station Road Railway Bridge
(SPD2/40, O/S Map Ref TF 02775 69185), Heighington
Dates/Times:  08.00 Hrs 7/4/2013 to 17.00 Hrs 28/4/2013
Alternative Route:  Station Road, Sheepwash Lane, Washingborough Road, Mill Lane, Station Road & Vice Versa

Location:  B1202 Nocton Road Railway Bridge
(SPD2/29, O/S Map Ref TF 051 638), Nocton
Dates/Times:  08.00 Hrs 13/4/2013 to 17.00 Hrs 25/5/2013
Alternative Route: 
B1202 Nocton Road, B1188, Wellhead Lane, B1202 & Vice Versa

If you have any queries, or require further information, please contact the Greater Lincoln & Gainsborough Highways Division on 01522 782070.

Yours faithfully

D Clark
for Executive Director (Communities)"

Railway Bridge

Preparation

You can't help but notice that preparatory work for the refurbishment of the B1202 railway bridge is currently under way. A large area of hard-standing is being prepared and the railway banking either side of the bridge is being cleared of vegetation. In addition, an area has been fenced off in the field to the north side of the road.

The planning application relating to this work is 12/0418/PRIOR.

N.B. The bridge on Wellhead Lane will also be receiving attention too at some stage[12/0417/PRIOR].

North side of B1202

South side of B1202