Rail Minister Claire Perry has opened a £280m project to transform a key Lincolnshire rail line during a visit to the region today.

The Great Northern Great Eastern (GNGE) line is an 86-mile route connecting Peterborough to Lincoln and Doncaster. This latest government-funded upgrade aims to improve freight links, increase capacity and reduce congestion on the neighbouring East Coast Main Line.

The work has included installing 20 new bridges, making 32 level crossings safer and making the signalling system more reliable. Improvements will allow up to two freight trains an hour to be diverted from the East Coast Main Line in order to free up capacity for more long-distance passenger services.


Minister Perry said: "By removing essential but slow-moving freight from the busy East Coast Main Line, this massive upgrade is already making a real difference to both passengers and businesses. It also creates the potential for extra passenger services for local communities in the future.

"We're investing record amounts in building a world-class rail network as part of our long-term plan to boost economic growth."

Between 2014 and 2019 the government intends to invest over £38bn in improving and maintaining the UK's rail network.

(IT/JP)