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Wednesday 9 Feb 2005

NETWORK RAIL RENEWS CARLETON LEVEL CROSSING

Region & Route:

Carleton level crossing on the Blackpool line is getting a complete makeover at a cost of £980,000. The work involves renewing the barriers, traffic lights, road markings and signs as well as the control mechanism that works the crossing. The level crossing control panel in Poulton-le-Fylde signal box is also being renewed. The work will mean the complete closure of the crossing to road vehicles from Saturday 19 February until it reopens in the early hours of Monday 28 February. During this time pedestrians will still be able to use the crossing as there will be an attendant to see them safely across. The Highway Authority will set up local diversions but these could add up to five miles to road journeys. Network Rail, which is carrying out the work, is particularly concerned about the delays this could cause as the level crossing is on one of the main routes to the local crematorium. A spokesman for the company said: “We have taken the unusual step of contacting local undertakers to advise them of the potential delay because the last thing we want is to cause further distress to friends and relatives attending a service at the crematorium.” Local residents have also been sent letters to tell them about the work, as it is possible there may be some disturbance, though everything will be done to keep this to an absolute minimum.