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Thursday 16 Nov 2023

Community invited to share their views on level crossing downgrade in Bedfordshire

Region & Route:

Eastern

Residents in Bedfordshire are being invited to share their views on proposals to remove vehicle access from East Road level crossing in Langford.

The proposals would see vehicle rights removed from East Road level crossing, and alternative access for residents, business and landowners created via a new road connecting to Edworth Road, which is approximately 1.4km to the south of the level crossing,

Network Rail are looking to remove vehicle access from the crossing due to the difficulty in maintaining equipment which is used to raise and lower the level crossing barriers.

If approved, the project will provide a new access road for residents and landowners, improve the reliability of the railway and boost safety at the level crossing.

Lineside residents and the wider community can now get involved and share their views on the proposals via an online consultation, which is open until Wednesday, 13 December. Visit www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/east-coast/east-road-level-crossing-downgrade/ to take part.

Network Rail is also hosting a public consultation drop-in event on Monday, 27 November between 13:30 and 17:00 at Langford Village Hall. Teams from Network Rail will be on hand to talk through the proposals and residents will have the chance to ask any questions they may have.

The feedback will form part of an application for a Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO), which is expected to be submitted to the Secretary of State for Transport in Spring 2024.

A TWAO is a legal power, which would enable Network Rail to acquire the land and rights to construct an alternative vehicle access to the east of the railway. It will also contain powers to make changes to the highway on Edworth Road.

For further information, visit www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/east-coast/east-road-level-crossing-downgrade/, email eastroadlevelcrossing@networkrail.co.uk or call Network Rail’s 24-hour national helpline on 03457 11 41 41.

ENDS