Media centre

Thursday 12 Nov 2020

Network Rail to reduce risk at level crossings across Cambridgeshire

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

As part of plans to reduce the risks for those using level crossings by creating a safer, more reliable railway, Network Rail today announced it has been granted the powers to close or modify 16 level crossings across Cambridgeshire.

In 2017, Network Rail applied for a Transport and Works Act Order to obtain the powers to close or modify 25 level crossings in Cambridgeshire. The Secretary of State for Transport has now granted Network Rail the powers to close or modify the following level crossings:

Chittering Footpath, CB5 9LR

Nairns, CB6 3LG

Coffue Drove, CB6 1RX

Silt Drove, PE15 0DB

Eastrea Cross Drove, PE7 2HG

Prickwillow 1, CB7 4UP

Prickwillow 2, CB7 4UP

Newmarket Bridge, CB7 4EX

Cross Keys, CB7 4UE

Black Horse Drove, CB6 1EH

Cassells, CB8 0UN

Westley Road, CB8 0UB

Jack O’Tell, CB25 9PW

Fysons, CB25 9PW

Ballast Pit, CB25 9QQ

In addition, while Littleport station private access level crossing is already closed as part of a separate process, the Secretary of State for Transport has granted Network Rail the powers to make alterations to the highway rights at the underbridge at Littleport station.   

 

Before proceeding with work on any level crossings, Network Rail will work with landowners and Cambridgeshire County Council to agree the final steps in the design process, such as finalising planning permission where necessary. An update will be published once plans of work 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 alternatives 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 tax payer, passengers and freight users, reducing ongoing operating and maintenance costs, delays to trains, pedestrians and other highway users.

Where a public level crossing is closed, users will be diverted to an existing nearby alternative or along a new public route to a nearby alternative. Network Rail aims to keep disruption to a minimum while the works are completed.

John Prest, level crossing manager for Network Rail’s Anglia route, said: “Closing or modifying these crossings will improve safety across Cambridgeshire’s railway 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 Cambridgeshire.”

Similar proposals are being taken forward for Suffolk, 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