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Monday 9 May 2011

CHANGES AT DOWNHAM MARKET AS RAILWAY CROSSING IS CLOSED

Region & Route:

| Southern

Rail users in Downham Market are being advised to allow a couple of extra minutes on their journeys from today after the barrow crossing between the station’s two platforms was closed. Passengers should now use the adjacent level crossing on Station Road.

Misuse of the barrow crossing has long been an issue at Downham Market. Over a twenty day period last autumn, railway staff recorded on average 13 incidents each day of pedestrians crossing when the red warning lights showed. On one day, 17th October 2010, the crossing was misused 54 times between 8am and 6pm. Parents with small children and pushchairs were among those crossing when the lights were red, putting themselves and their children at risk.

Network Rail’s decision to close the crossing has been backed by First Capital Connect and the Office of Rail Regulation, the rail industry’s safety watchdog.

Martin Gallagher, Network Rail’s head of level crossings, said: "Our primary concern at Downham Market is the safety of the public. Despite the rail industry’s continued efforts to educate and inform the public about the dangers of level crossings, the sheer level of persistent, deliberate misuse at Downham Market station has left us with no option but to close the foot crossing."

A First Capital Connect spokesperson said: "We fully support Network Rail’s decision to close the barrow crossing at Downham Market station. On behalf of our customers we will now work with Network Rail and other stakeholders to improve the current walkways and routes to the station."

In August 2009, Network Rail submitted plans for a footbridge between the platforms which would have seen the crossing closed. The application was withdrawn after consultation with the local authority, English Heritage and the Railway Heritage Trust and a revised plan submitted in December 2009 which included improvements to the appearance of the bridge. This proposal was rejected by King's Lynn and West Norfolk Council in April 2010, citing concerns relating to the listed status of the station building as well as accessibility issues.

Since then, Network Rail has worked closely with local stakeholders including council officers, councillors and the local MP to reduce crossing misuse at Downham Market. A number of proposed solutions were put forward, the safest and most efficient of which was the closure of the barrow crossing and related improvements to the adjacent crossing on Station Road.

Network Rail is now seeking to work with the local authority to bring these proposals forward. Improvements to the pavement approach and footpath on Station Road crossing would enhance the segregated pedestrian route and provide more space for crossing users. An improved, shorter walking route behind the signal box is also proposed, cutting the distance for people crossing from one platform to another via Station Road.

Station Road crossing has manually-controlled full barriers to prevent pedestrians and road users from crossing the railway when not safe. The barriers are interlocked with the signalling system, meaning a train cannot approach the crossing unless the barriers are down and the signaller has confirmed the crossing is clear. Flashing warning lights and an audible siren let users know when the barriers are about to close.

In stark contrast to the barrow crossing, no incidents involving either pedestrians or motorists have been reported on Station Road crossing in recent years.

Mr Gallagher continued: "The improvements we plan to put in place for pedestrians will boost safety at Downham Market, reducing the chance of someone putting their life on the line at a level crossing.

"Station Road crossing has full barriers, warning lights and an audible alert to let people know when a train is due. This set-up is vastly superior to the barrow crossing and is the same as many hundreds of crossings across the country."