Media centre

Monday 14 Dec 2020

Network Rail and Greater Anglia respond to RAIB report into Norwich Road Level Crossing Incident

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

Commenting on the RAIB report issued today, Ellie Burrows, Network Rail Anglia route director and Jamie Burles, managing director for Greater Anglia said:  

“Since the incident at Norwich Road level crossing, together with industry partners, we have worked tirelessly to understand how and why the incident occurred, and how we can make the railway safer for those working or travelling on trains or using level crossings.  

“The RAIB findings of contaminated tracks and their impact on the rail-wheel interface is consistent with our own detailed investigations, which have helped us understand how this incident occurred and led us to a series of actions in advance of any recommendations.  

“These actions include installing new track circuit treadles on the approach to the crossings that provide extra safety protection and enabled us to remove speed restrictions. We’re also cutting back trees and vegetation next to 26.5km of tracks to help prevent leaf fall that can lead to contaminated tracks and track circuit failures.    

“In addition, we have been proactive in increasing our cleaning regime for this autumn. From 18 November, we will run an extra treatment train across our rural routes.  These trains, which already operate on the route, use high powered water to help blast the rails clear of any contamination. We will also have a dedicated leaf fall maintenance team for the Cromer branch.   

As a further precaution, Greater Anglia will be actively monitoring train wheels for contamination and undertaking any cleaning necessary during the autumn season.

“We accept the RAIB recommendations, much of which we have already undertaken.  Any incident such as this is taken extremely seriously, and we understand the severe disruption and frustration that this caused many of our passengers last autumn. We are confident that the steps we have taken together and are continuing to take will prevent a further similar incident.”