Tallington level crossing plan could create a Stamford east-west bypass

A new proposal has been drawn up to remove Tallington level crossing and create an east-west bypass across the top of Stamford.

The plan, created by Tallington Parish Council, suggests a link road to eliminate the huge queues which build up as a result of the crossing barriers being down - sometimes for up to 53 minutes in an hour.

The full plan is available to view by clicking here and then following the Stamford link.

Tallington parish councillor Ken Otter has been among those working on a solution to the problem of Tallington level crossing for 14 years. Several ideas have been put forward over the years but none has come to fruition.

He said: “The main issue is the delays it causes to traffic throughout the day, with the barriers down for up to 53 minutes in the
hour.

“It is the worst level crossing in England and the only one left on an A-road between King’s Cross and Edinburgh. It should have gone years ago.”

The link road would go from the A1 at Tickencote to the Stamford-Deepings road east of Tallington, with a bridge over the railway tracks replacing the level crossing.

Where this ‘east-west bypass’ meets Little Casterton Road and Ryhall Road, roundabouts are proposed.

A link from the A1 at Tickencote to the Stamford-Oakham A606 is also included, which the council suggests could help traffic flow between Rutland and Grantham, particularly if the redevelopment of the former St George’s Barracks between North Luffenham and Edith Weston goes ahead.

Coun Otter said a lot of work had gone on behind the scenes and the council was ‘extremely proud’ of what it had come up
with.

“We think, as a village, we have a logical design that will hit the ground running,” he said.

He added: “The effects on local farmers and other individuals are minimised, while for most people there are maximum
benefits.”

Coun Otter believes the main issue will be cost. The parish council hasn’t suggested how much the proposed link road would cost or how it would be funded.

Stamford MP Gareth Davies and the Deepings MP John Hayes have been consulted, as has Lincolnshire’s head of highways Coun Richard Davies.

All parish, district and county councils which might be interested in the proposal have been sent details, and residents’ groups, individuals and businesses are being asked, by Tallington Parish Council, for their feedback.

Coun Otter presented the proposal to Stamford Town Council’s virtual meeting on Tuesday.

Another ‘next step’ will be to win the support of Network Rail.

Paul Rutter, route director for Network Rail’s East Coast route, said: “We know how significant the impact of barrier downtime at Tallington level crossing is for residents and we are sorry there is no simple solution to the issues
here.

“We take the impact of this on the community very seriously and we are aware that we must balance the needs of passengers using our railways with those of motorists and pedestrians using the crossing.

“In 2014/2015, we carried out a study which looked at closing level crossings on the East Coast Main Line. The scheme as a whole would have cost around £400m and, unfortunately, we do not have that funding available.

“We remain committed to closing level crossings where possible, and we will continue to work with local funders and Government to identify any funding which may be available to improve the situation at Tallington level
crossing.”