Media centre

Monday 27 Nov 2017

Network Rail invites residents to discuss Bailey Lane level crossing

Region & Route:

| North West & Central

Users of Bailey Lane footpath crossing at Grange-over-Sands are being invited to talk about the future of the crossing following a request to Cumbria County Council for it to be permanently closed.

A 21-day emergency closure was imposed by Network Rail on Thursday 13 July after two members of the public were nearly struck by a train after continuing to cross despite the train driver sounding the horn and putting on the emergency brakes.

Network Rail staff will be on hand to speak with local people from 11am to 7pm at Victoria Hall on Wednesday 6 December.

Bailey Lane footpath crossing has remained closed ever since as Network Rail evaluates the best and safest way to protect the public when they go over the railway in Grange-over-Sands. 

The crossing is on the line between Carnforth and Barrow-in-Furness. Around 50 trains a day go over it at speeds of up to 50mph.

Ben Parish, level crossing manager for Network Rail, said: “Following a near miss at Bailey Lane back in the summer we closed the crossing to ensure the safety of all users while we work on the best long-term plan. Safety will always be our top priority. We’d love to discuss our plans with local people at our drop-in event.”