Media centre

Monday 26 Feb 2018

New footbridge makes it safer to cross the railway at Stone Crossing

Region & Route:

| Southern

Passengers who use Stone Crossing station in Kent will have a safer way of getting across the railway after a new £3m footbridge opened today (Monday February 26).

Previously the gates at the crossing were locked when a train approached the station, meaning passengers could potentially miss their trains when they came into the opposite platform. The new footbridge now means access between the two station platforms will always be available.

The fully accessible footbridge includes ramps to Charles Street and Church Hill, and an additional staircase on Charles Street.  Stone Crossing had previously been identified as a high risk crossing due to regular misuse.

Paul Donald, Network Rail route enhancements manager, said:  “Level crossings pose one of the biggest risks to public safety on the railway and we are committed to closing them wherever possible.

“This new bridge will make it safer and easier for local people to cross the railway and access the station.”

Gareth Johnson, MP for Dartford, said: “I have been pushing for this bridge to be built for some time and it’s fantastic that it is now open. Network Rail have always recognised just how beneficial it would be to local commuters to be able to use a bridge rather than the old crossing system and I am pleased they have heavily invested in the station.”

Stone Crossing is the latest level crossing to close in the South East as part of a national programme to improve safety by closing or upgrading existing level crossings.

Stone level crossing closed on Sunday 25 February and the new footbridge opened this morning (Monday February 26) to the public.