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Tuesday 6 Jul 2004

NINE DAY ROAD CLOSURE SIGNALS FINAL IMPROVEMENTS AT RUTLAND CROSSING

Region & Route:

Network Rail will be carrying out the final stage of its work as part of a £1.5m project to improve the level crossing at Brooke Road, which is situated on the Syston to Peterborough line in Rutland, Leicestershire. The work to install the new barriers and lights will take place between 18.00 on Saturday 17 July and 06.00 on Monday 26 July 2004. The existing automated half-barrier is being replaced by a full manually controlled barrier crossing with CCTV, which will be monitored by nearby Oakham signal box. Whilst the two existing barriers and four road lights are removed the road will be closed. During this time there will be no public access across the railway, although staff will be on-site throughout to ensure access for emergency services. In recent years the crossing has become an increasingly popular route for traffic travelling through Oakham, with long queues often forming before the crossing barriers. An assessment carried out by Network Rail based on the rise in traffic volumes, has highlighted the benefits of a 24-hour CCTV monitored manually operated barrier, which will mean that the nearby signal box has a clear view of the crossing at all times. Automated half barriers are adequate for quieter level crossings, however, due to the busy nature of Brooke Road, it was recommended that a manual barrier would be a safer and more efficient solution in dealing with the vehicular traffic needs in the area. -more- Brooke Rd - 2 Commenting on the improvements to Brooke Road level crossing, Chris Hannah, Scheme Project Manager for Network Rail in the East Midlands said: “We are informing local residents and the emergency services. Clear diversionary route signs for road traffic and pedestrians will be put in place prior to the work commencing. “The work at Brooke Road level crossing demonstrates Network Rail’s commitment to improving the railway and taking the changing needs of its lineside neighbours on board.”