Media centre

Wednesday 5 Oct 2016

Network Rail to build new footbridge at Little Bowden

Region & Route:

| Eastern

Network Rail has secured planning permission from Harborough District Council Planning Authority to build a stepped footbridge in Little Bowden.

The new footbridge will replace the existing level crossing and provide a safe route across the railway for local residents, as well as creating a vital pedestrian route across the railway to Little Bowden primary school and nearby leisure facilities.

Network Rail has engaged with Harborough District Council and Leicestershire County Council prior to submitting the application as well as hosting a public event in order to consult local residents.

Little Bowden crossing, just outside Market Harborough, Leicestershire, was closed in August 2015 for safety reasons and people wishing to cross the railway have since had to use the underpass on Scotland Road.

The crossing lies on the Midland Main Line and, before its closure, was one of the highest-risk level crossings in the area. The crossing sees around 200 trains a day pass through at speeds of up to 75 miles per hour.

Gary Walsh, area director at Network Rail, said: “Safety is our primary concern, and we believe the construction of this bridge will reduce the amount of people who choose to risk their lives by misusing the crossing.

“We are delighted that permission has been granted and we look forward to starting work on the bridge as soon as possible.”

Work is expected to start next summer and should be completed in the autumn of 2017.