Media centre

Monday 23 Jan 2017

Level crossing upgrade in Cornwall set to improve safety

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

Residents and passengers in Cornwall will benefit from a safer level crossing as Network Rail continues to deliver its Railway Upgrade Plan.

Network Rail’s orange army will be upgrading Lostwithiel level crossing, near Bodmin, by renewing the barrier, the machine that operates the barrier and the LED and road traffic lights, also known as wig wags. In addition, Network Rail will also be upgrading the audible warning devices, creating suitable housing for the machine that operates the barrier and installing signage and road markings.

The level crossing upgrade will take place in March although prior to that Network Rail will carry out some enabling works in February which will mean overnight road closures at the level crossing. This will take place from 10pm until 8am each Saturday into Sunday throughout February.

Whilst the level crossing will be closed to road traffic, pedestrian attendants will help people cross except for between 4 February at 10pm and 5 February at 8am when the level crossing will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians.

Following the enabling work, Lostwithiel level crossing will be closed from Friday, 3 March at 10pm to Monday, 13 March at 5am as Network Rail work around-the-clock to deliver the upgrade. A sign-posted diversionary route will be in operation at all times during the closure.  

Ife Adekoya, scheme project manager at Network Rail, said: “The modernisation of the level crossing forms part of our Railway Upgrade Plan and will help keep the community and passengers even more safe. We recognise that any road closure will inevitably cause a level of inconvenience to the local community and we are working closely with Cornwall County Council to ensure there is a suitable diversionary route.”