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Friday 16 Sep 2005

NEW £1.3 MILLION UNDERPASS FOR GRANGE-OVER-SANDS

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The level crossing near Bailey Lane, Grange-over-Sands is being removed and replaced with an underpass in a £1.3 million scheme that will be carried out next spring. Gary Openshaw, General Manager (Preston) said: “Bailey Lane crossing has a history of incidents and misuse and over the years the use of this crossing, particularly in the summer months, has increased to the point where safety has become an issue.  This has led to the decision to take the crossing out of action permanently. “Level crossings are safe if used correctly, however Network Rail is continuously working on initiatives to reduce the number of level crossing related incidents and raise public awareness on the dangers of level crossing misuse.” The project will cost in the region of £1.3 million and will be carried out during the 16 week Leven viaduct blockade, when essential maintenance is carried out on the structure. This blockade begins on 26 March and the work at Grange has been planned during the same period to cause minimal disruption to passengers. Gary Openshaw added: “We believe the underpass, once completed, will be a real asset to Grange-over-Sands. The underpass will allow continuous access to the promenade and make access easier for higher volumes of people.” The new underpass will give residents access to the promenade from the car park off Main Street and will include a ramp for wheelchair and buggy access. Network Rail has already been liaising with the council to address concerns residents may have about the scheme and is fully aware and sensitive to the heritage of the town; the environmental factors and the issue of flooding. Network Rail is holding a meeting next week with stakeholders to discuss ways of keeping inconvenience on the town to an absolute minimum. The company is also planning to hold a public open day early next year for residents to view the plans and ask questions about the scheme.