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Tuesday 1 Oct 2024

Buckinghamshire road reopens after railway level crossing safety upgrades complete

Region & Route:

North West & Central

| North West & Central: Central

Marsh Lane level crossing near Aylesbury has reopened this week after a major project to improve safety for Buckinghamshire road and rail users.

The road which crosses the railway between Aylesbury and Little Kimble stations, was reopened before midnight on Monday (30 September) reconnecting a well-used route for local people.

New double barriers have been installed covering both sides of the road which will prevent motorists from weaving around them and make the crossing safer. Further safety improvements include the use of obstacle detection technology which now automatically detects anything that may be obstructing the crossing, for example a pedestrian or a car.

The upgrade of Marsh Lane level crossing, which has been funded by HS2, follows the work undertaken in August 2023 where Network Rail replaced almost two kilometres of the railway on a brand-new embankment, constructed by HS2.  

Brand new signalling equipment has been installed which helps signallers to understand where trains are in relation to the level crossing and means that the level crossing alarm time has been reduced for each train passage. This will help to reduce waiting times for local people travelling on Marsh Lane.

Network Rail is taking the opportunity to remind people how to keep themselves and others safe when crossing the railway whether at Marsh Lane or when using nearby footpath level crossings.

Emma Lockey, sponsor for Network Rail, said: “We’d like to thank local people for their patience during our upgrade of Marsh Lane level crossing which is now safer for both rail and road users.

"As well as installing modern signalling equipment and special obstacle detection technology, the new double barriers will prevent the possibility of weaving around them when a train is approaching.

"We want to stress the importance of staying safe when using any level crossing and ask that motorists always stop at the barriers when the lights show and wait until the barriers raise fully to continue their journey."

Network Rail's safety tips for when using footpath level crossings:

• Concentrate – it’s easy to get distracted, especially by phones, music and conversation.
• Always follow signs and instructions displayed at level crossings.
• Check both ways before crossing – if there is a train coming, don’t cross.
• Understand the warnings which alert when a train approaching (lights, barriers, alarms).
• Cross quickly, keeping children close and dogs on a lead.

The safety improvements have been completed after a major upgrade and realignment of the line last year which will allow HS2 trains to pass beneath the existing railway in the future.

For more information and further advice on level crossing safety visit www.networkrail.co.uk/LevelCrossings