Network Rail has announced it is upgrading Newark Castle level crossing this May to make it smoother and more robust for thousands of drivers.

Rail workers will renew the road surface and train tracks through the level crossing – which carries around 89 trains a day between Nottingham and Lincoln.

At the same time, Network Rail engineers will be upgrading the track between Nottingham and Lincoln to boost reliability. This means that on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 May, buses will replace trains between the two cities.

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For the work to be carried out safely, the section of Great North Road at Newark Castle level crossing will be closed to cars, bikes and pedestrians from 9pm on Friday 6 May until 6:30am on Monday 9 May. A signed diversion will be in place.

Gary Walsh, East Midlands Route Director for Network Rail, said: "Level crossings not only help to keep people safely away from moving trains, but they also provide vital routes through towns and communities. That's why I'm pleased to see this work happening to make a smoother, more robust road for drivers in Newark.

"We're taking full advantage of nearby track work to deliver as many improvements as we can in a single weekend. There will be some changes to services and a road closure in place, so I’d advise people to plan ahead and allow extra time.

"I know that there has been some recent concerns around the reliability of level crossings in Newark. I’d like to reassure people that we’re continuing to look at how we could provide a better service for drivers in the town."