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Friday 7 Jul 2017

Level crossing in Kent village reopens after three-week closure

Region & Route:

| Southern

Villagers from Chartham, near Canterbury, are able to use their main road again after Network Rail fitted new crossing gates this week.

The crossing, which links the village to the main A28 road, had to be closed after a 4x4 drove through the gates on Friday, June 16. The gates, which were more than 30 years old, were damaged beyond repair and a new bespoke pair had to be made.

Engineers works overnight from Tuesday this week until today (Friday) to hang the new pair and fit all the safety equipment that stops trains from approaching when the gates are open.

Network Rail South East’s level crossing manager, Paul Coleman, said: “I’m very grateful for the patience our neighbours have shown and their understanding of what we’ve had to do to get this crossing open again.

“The gates, which are swung open and shut by hand, are linked to the signalling system to keep road users and passengers safe. Without the gates, we could not keep the level crossing open as there was no way to signal trains through the village safely.

 “I would also like to thank our crossing keeper, Andrew, whose quick thinking meant the trains were stopped when the incident happened. It was a shocking incident to witness and his actions kept everyone safe.”