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Thursday 28 Aug 2014

New footbridge marks success for Network Rail / South West Trains Alliance level crossing programme

Region & Route:

| Southern: Wessex

| Southern

A new footbridge has been opened over the railway near Petersfield in Hampshire, marking a notable success for the Network Rail / South West Trains Alliance level crossing programme.

The £400,000 footbridge, at Stodham, replaces a foot crossing across the railway that was closed in March this year.

Part of the popular Shipwright’s Way footpath, the increasing use of the crossing on a 90mph railway meant that the Alliance had to take action. It is the second crossing to be closed out of a target of 35 on the Alliance route in the next five years and part of a nationwide programme of level crossing closures.

Sharon Vye-Parminter, safety director for the Network Rail and South West Trains Alliance, said: “We are committed to improving safety on what is already a very safe railway and we are always looking at ways to make level crossings safer.

“Closing level crossings is one way that we can reduce to the risk to the railway, but we also need the help of the public. Successfully closing a crossing isn't always a straightforward process, so we will need the support from local authorities, landowners and the public to help us achieve our new target and improve safety further still."

Building a footbridge meant the risk of the level crossing was removed completely, but was only possible with the help of the local Petersfield Golf Club, Liss Parish Council and Hampshire County Council.

ENDS