Plans to speed up rail journeys between Lincoln and Nottingham will be up for discussion next week.
Network Rail will provide an update to councillors at Lincolnshire County Council on its proposals for the line between the two cities, which could allow for speedier journeys via train.
Councillors will consider the plans at a highways and transport scrutiny committee meeting on September 8.
Network Rail said the improvements would involve closing down the signal box at Swinderby station and resignalling the line to run trains at 75mph.
The journey time between Lincoln and Nottingham is currently between 50 minutes and an hour. It is not yet clear how far the increased speed limit could cut that by.
This comes as operators will soon be able to run more rail services between Lincoln and Newark.
In a report ahead of the meeting, Network Rail explained: “The timetable that will start on December 14 2025 will significantly uplift the service provision between Lincoln and Nottingham from one train every hour to two trains by extending existing Newark Castle services to Lincoln.
“This level of service frequency has been a long-term aspiration of stakeholders along the route.
“Regional service provision on this corridor however is very constrained by the flat crossing near Newark where the regional trains cross over the East Coast Mainline (ECML) track.
“The major recast of the ECML timetable, that will be implemented in December 2025, has “opened” additional opportunities for paths over the crossing that enable the regional service uplift.”
Lincoln MP Hamish Falconer (Labour) said in July that he was pushing for ‘faster’ trains between Lincoln and Nottingham.
Mr Falconer added: “I think it’s quite unusual to be a city the size we are with such a slow rail track, particularly towards Newark, where it’s being slowed down by so many level crossings.
“I’m a big supporter, publicly and privately, of connections between Lincoln and Nottingham where it’s very slow closer to Lincoln.
“With two great cities, two great castles, it’s time to go faster than 55km an hour between Newark and Lincoln.”
Network Rail’s report added: “The re-signalling project would upgrade four level crossings and include closure of Swinderby signal box.
“Between Lincoln and Newark, the LSI scheme is dependent on the delivery of Swinderby area re-signalling and that it is designed for 75mph operation.
“After some setbacks, it is anticipated that the re-signalling project remains funded for delivery.
“The scheme would raise the line speed from predominately 50mph to 75mph operation and benefit journey time and operation of regional and London services on the route.”
The proposals are being developed by Network Rail in collaboration with Midlands Connect and external stakeholders.
Network Rail said the proposals will be funded through a combination of increased rail fares, an expected increase in passenger numbers as a result of the improvements and cost-saving efficiencies.
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