Media centre

Tuesday 9 Feb 2010

FOOTBRIDGE TO REPLACE CHICHESTER CROSSING

Region & Route:

| Southern

Chichester residents will soon be able to use a footbridge instead of the level crossing at Fishbourne Road after feedback from a public exhibition showed the overwhelming majority of people in the community supported the idea.

Network Rail and West Sussex County Council worked together to decide whether the level crossing should be replaced with a footbridge or a subway. 

Three quarters of respondents (75%) expressed a preference of a footbridge, whereas only 14% of people supported the subway. The remaining 11% suggested other solutions, primarily involving retaining the existing level crossing.

Fiona Taylor, Network Rail’s route director for Sussex, said: “Now we have an option which is supported by the majority of the community we can start work to develop the scheme in detail so we can install the bridge in the least disruptive way.

“The Fishbourne Road level crossing is one of the most misused in the whole of the Sussex area, so we are pleased we can now provide an alternative way of crossing the railway which will remove the risks people are taking at the current crossing.”

Derek Whittington, West Sussex County Council cabinet member for strategic planning and transport, said: “As well as being a popular route with walkers and cyclists the crossing is well used by people travelling to work and school. The new bridge will make the journey safer and hopefully encourage more people to get out of the car and use more sustainable transport.”

During the exhibition members of the community were also asked for any comments on the structure itself. As a result, Network Rail will be considering the following points in the development of the plans:

-          Accommodating cyclists so they will be able to cycle up, over and down the bridge without dismounting
-          Making the ramps compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act
-          Providing sufficient lighting on the bridge and down Centurion Way
-          Covering the bridge to prevent objects from being thrown onto the tracks and endangering people on the trains
-          Minimising the distance people have to walk
-          Installation of handrails.

Once the plans have been finalised, it is hoped construction of the new bridge can start in 2011.

Louise Goldsmith, county councillor for Chichester West, said: "I am well aware of the long standing safety concerns that many residents and commuters have had regarding this crossing and am pleased that a decision has been made on the way forward. I know some people have reservations about the need for a footbridge but I am confident that this is a positive move that will encourage more people to use the crossing."