Media centre

Thursday 17 Dec 2020

Network Rail to reduce level crossing risk across Suffolk

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

As part of plans to reduce the risks for those using level crossings and to create a safer, more reliable railway, Network Rail today announced it has been granted the powers to close or modify nine level crossings across Suffolk.

In 2017, Network Rail applied for a Transport and Works Act Order to obtain the powers to close or modify 22 level crossings in Suffolk. The Secretary of State for Transport has now granted Network Rail the powers to close or modify the following nine level crossings:

• Island, IP9 2LP
• Leggetts, IP14 4EY
• Gooderhams, IP14 4HH
• Paynes, IP23 8JE
• Gislingham, IP14 4HX
• Cowpasture Lane, IP23 8EF
• Abbotts, IP23 8DN
• Lords, IP30 9UD
• Hawk End Lane, IP30 9ED

 

Gooderhams, Leggetts, and Abbotts crossings will be closed to the public once the Transport and Works Act Order comes into force. This date will be confirmed in the Order published by the Secretary of State. Users will be directed to use existing alternative routes. Signage will be provided where necessary.

Cowpasture Lane is being legally downgraded from a Byway Open to All Traffic to a Public Bridleway. Mounting blocks will be provided to assist equestrians.

Before we start work on the new alternative routes for the other five level crossings, Network Rail will work with landowners and Suffolk County Council to agree the final steps in the design process. An update will be published once designs have been confirmed. Full detail of the powers granted and a copy of the Secretary of State’s report can be found on GOV.UK.

Closing or modifying level crossings and diverting users to alternative routes will make the railway safer by reducing the number of points where people can come into contact with trains. The changes also support Network Rail in delivering a more efficient and reliable railway for the taxpayer, passengers and freight users, reducing ongoing operating and maintenance costs, and reducing delays to trains, pedestrians and other highway users.

Network Rail aims to keep disruption to a minimum while the works are completed.

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: “While we are disappointed to only receive the powers to close or modify nine level crossings, improving safety on the railway continues to be my top priority. As we begin work on these nine crossings, we will continue to focus on how we can further reduce the risk at level crossings across the network.

“This has been a long process and so I want to thank everyone that got involved from residents, crossing users, local businesses, politicians and the media, as together we will make the railway safer for everyone in Suffolk.”

 

Network Rail recently received the powers to close or modify 16 level crossings in Cambridgeshire and a similar proposal is underway covering Essex, Southend-on-Sea, Thurrock, Hertfordshire, and the London Borough of Havering. 

As the project develops, the website will be updated to give further detail of each crossing closure or modification www.networkrail.co.uk/anglialevelcrossings.