City link could reach 100mph

Trains travelling at up to 100mph from Newark to Nottingham and Lincoln could become a reality.

In plans made public this week, suggested improvements on the Nottingham to Lincoln line through Newark Castle station could slash journey times.

Faster trains, at speeds of 90mph but potentially 100mph, would make it possible to travel from Newark to Nottingham in under 20 minutes.

Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire county councils are investigating the possibility of improvements estimated to cost in the region of £48m.

The Government has already allocated £51m. It is scheduled to be implemented from 2013-14 and 2015-16. The work would be carried out by Network Rail.

A rail officer at Nottinghamshire County Council, Mr Jim Bamford, said the allocated money was subject to a satisfactory business case and was vulnerable to any future reductions in public spending.

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