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Wednesday 7 Jan 2004

NETWORK RAIL INVESTS IN SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS FOR BROMSGROVE CROSSING

Region & Route:

Network Rail has invested over £12, 000 to implement a number of safety-related improvements at Sweetpool Lane level crossing situated between Blakedown and Hagley stations in Bromsgrove. Local MP for Bromsgrove, Julie Kirkbride, will officially open the crossing on Friday 9th January and will be joined by local councillor for Hagley, Chris Scurrell. Improvements have been undertaken in compliance with the HSE’s Railway Safety Principles & Guidance on Level Crossings and include: · Repositioning of the whistle boards in advance of the crossing in both directions, these will provide crossing users with increased warning time of trains approaching. · Widening of the existing timber deck and coating with ‘Colas’ anti-slip material to improve underfoot conditions for users. The contour of the new surface to the level of the ground on both approaches also permits ease of access for disabled users. · Removal of vegetation and installation of weld mesh fencing between each crossing entrance to funnel users to and from the crossing area. - more - S’Pool- 2 · Relocation of the warning signs at the decision points 2 metres from the nearest running rails – the decision points as set out in the HSE’s guidance being “a point where guidance on crossing safely is visible and at which a decision to cross or wait can be made in safety”. John Hares, Network Rail’s Level Crossing Risk Specialist for the Midlands Region said, “ The improvements at Sweetpool Lane level crossing demonstrates Network Rail’s commitment to investing in a safer railway system. We have worked with our contractors J. Murphy & Sons Ltd and closely with Bromsgrove District Council to take on board their views and are delighted to be able to celebrate with them the hard work that has gone into making the crossing safer for pedestrians and the trains that pass through the route.”