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Friday 5 Aug 2016

Network Rail unveils new bridge in Dorset to improve pedestrian safety

Region & Route:

| Southern: Wessex

| Southern

Network Rail has opened a new footbridge in Wool, Dorset as part of its Railway Upgrade Plan to deliver a better, safer railway.

The new footbridge, which provides safe access for users to cross the railway, replaces two previous level crossings in Wool, and is part of a scheme to dramatically reduce the risk at level crossings in the area.

The footbridge was opened by Network Rail alongside representatives from Dorset County Council, Purbeck District Council and Wool Parish Council.

Alex Boatfield, assistant commercial scheme sponsor at Network Rail said, “The new footbridge is a significant improvement in terms of safety, not just because it completely eliminates the risk of being hit by a train, but it also has a non-slip surface, handrails and lighting for users.

“I’m delighted to be able to open the new footbridge here in Wool, and would like to thank the community for their patience while we carried out the upgrades.”

Richard Drax, MP for South Dorset said, “I am delighted with this new footbridge as it will be inevitably safer for those on foot to cross this busy line, in addition reassurance to drivers of the train.  I am grateful to Network Rail for completing the new bridge especially as the village could expand shortly which would have only added to the dangers of the two previous crossings in the village.”

Simon Gledhill, network traffic manager at Dorset County Council said, “As part of this project and working closely with the County Council, an additional much needed footpath link will be built to enable the public to walk between East Burton and Wool Station safely. This path is being constructed by Dorset Highways and will take advantage of the re-cycling of road plannings to achieve an ergonomic and sustainable path which, in a short space of time, will blend into the rural setting.”

Cherry Brooks, economy and infrastructure portfolio holder at Purbeck District Council and ward member for Wool said, “We’re delighted to have been involved in the new footbridge, which gives much better pedestrian access between East Burton and Wool.”

Rod Webb, chairman of Wool Parish Council said, “Wool Parish Council has been involved with the plans for improved railway pedestrian crossings in the parish since August 2011. It was good to see the official opening of the new footbridge which will benefit the residents of the parish as well as the holidaymakers staying at the caravan and camping park close by. The Parish Council congratulates Network Rail with its community involvement in the project, and the council now looks forward to future crossing improvements at Baileys Drove.”