Media centre

Monday 18 Apr 2016

Ceremony marks the start of work to replace the level crossing at Ufton Nervet

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

| Southern

Network Rail’s work to improve safety at Ufton Nervet, Berkshire, was marked in an official ceremony today (Monday 18 April) as work began to construct the bridge that will replace the level crossing.

The building of a bridge will completely separate road and rail traffic at the site, which has experienced several incidents of deliberate misuse following a collision between a train and a car on the crossing in 2004 in which seven people died and 71 people were injured.

The ceremony was attended by members of the Ufton Nervet support group that was set up after the 2004 collision. They were joined by members of the construction team and Mark Langman, Network Rail’s managing director for the Western route.

Mark said: “This is an emotional day for everyone affected by the 2004 collision and marks an important step towards our goal of improving the safety of passengers and the public at Ufton Nervet.

“By building this bridge and replacing the level crossing, we can significantly reduce the risk of a tragedy like this happening again, helping to ensure that everyone gets home safe, every day.”

Construction of the new bridge is likely to be completed by the end of the year. Throughout this time a dedicated community liaison officer will be available to answer residents’ enquiries and keep them updated on the bridge’s progress. Residents can contact the community liaison officer by calling 03457 114141.

ENDS