Media centre

Thursday 6 Aug 2015

Network Rail’s proposal to replace Ufton Nervet level crossing with a bridge is given the green light

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

Network Rail’s aim to improve safety at Ufton Nervet level crossing reached a major milestone last night after West Berkshire Council’s planning committee granted permission for the company to replace the crossing with a bridge.

The building of a bridge will completely separate road and rail traffic at this site, which has experienced several incidents of deliberate misuse following a collision between a train and a car on the crossing in 2004 in which seven people died and 71 people were injured.

Daniel Collins, Network Rail’s scheme sponsor for the project, said: “We are delighted that West Berkshire Council has given us the go ahead to replace the level crossing.

“This decision follows many months of working with residents and the council to produce a design for the bridge that is in keeping with the local area and is not too imposing.

“As part of our national level crossing closure programme, we will always look into closing a crossing when an opportunity to do so presents itself. I am very pleased that in the case of Ufton Nervet, the opportunity to improve the safety of passengers and the wider public can be realised.”

Construction of the new bridge will start in early 2016 and will take approximately a year to complete. During this time a dedicated community liaison officer from the construction team will be available to answer residents’ enquiries and keep them updated on the bridge’s progress.

ENDS