Media centre

Monday 31 Oct 2016

Delny safety enhancements given green light

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Network Rail has confirmed that Delny level crossing will have barriers installed by late summer 2017, with designs also commissioned with the aim of closing the crossing permanently.

The open level crossing, which was the site of a fatal collision in 2007, will see automatic half barriers installed. Network Rail has also begun designs for a bridge, which could result in the permanent closure of the crossing by the end of the decade.

The new half barriers will be manufactured and installed in a way that will allow them to be removed and used elsewhere should the full closure of the crossing go ahead.

Designs for a new bridge will be subject to public consultation and local authority planning consideration. Stage one designs of those will be made available for public input and comment next year.

David Dickson, Infrastructure Director for Network Rail within the ScotRail Alliance, said: “We know that the loss of two teenage boys, Paul Oliver and Alan Thain, at the crossing in 2007 has had a lasting impact in the community of Delny. We have looked at a variety of methods to reduce the risk over the years since and are pleased to have finally agreed a way forward.

“The half barrier system will dramatically reduce the risk of a future collision at this site. We believe it is a good interim measure, but ultimately we would like to see the crossing closed permanently.

We have begun developing designs for a bridge at this location which we will share with the public next year.

“In the meantime, we will begin installing barriers, with the aim to have them operating by summer 2017. Our aim is to close the crossing permanently by 2019 and make use of the barrier system at a similar alternative site.”