Media centre

Thursday 7 Jan 2016

£30k investment to make Morecambe level crossing safer for local people

Region & Route:

| North West & Central

Schola Green Lane footpath crossing in Morecambe is to be improved and made safer for local people crossing the railway thanks to a £30,000 investment by Network Rail.

As part of a national programme to improve safety at level crossings, work will take place to provide better and more secure access and make the crossing easier to use for everyone.

The work will include:

• a wider deck across the railway to allow a better flow of pedestrian traffic
• new fences and gates to make the crossing easier to use and remove the difficulties currently faced by users
• an improved approach to the crossing to provide better pushchair and wheelchair access

Terry Strickland, area director for Network Rail, said: “We’re committed to closing level crossings wherever we can and where this isn’t possible, we will carry out work to make them safer. These improvements will make it easier to access the crossing and safer to cross the railway for the many people who use it every day. The work has been carefully planned to be carried out as quickly and safely as possible and a diversionary route has been agreed with the local authority. I’d like to thank local people for their patience while we complete these upgrades.”

A survey in 2015 revealed that an average of almost 1,000 pedestrians and cyclists used the crossing each day and it was identified that improvements needed to be made. Network Rail consulted with Lancaster City Council to regarding the upgrades and the diversionary route while the work took place.

The crossing will be closed from 6am on Monday 11 January until Tuesday 19 January 2016.

For further information contact Network Rail’s national help line on 03457 114 141.