Media centre

Wednesday 7 Dec 2005

NORTON RAIL CROSSING CLOSED FOR UPGRADE

Region & Route:

Network Rail is warning pedestrians not to dice with death by climbing over Norton level crossing gates on the main west coast rail line in Runcorn while the crossing is closed for upgrade work. The £500,000 project will see a new crossing surface, an upgrade of the warning lights and new signs – all designed to make it easier and safer for pedestrians and horse riders to use the foot/bridle crossing. The wooden fence and picket gates will be replaced by a 1.4 metre metal fence and gates. The work is being done to allow the introduction of 125mph trains on the main line, resulting in shorter journey times for passengers. Signs have been placed at both sides of the crossing on Red Brow Lane warning that it is closed, but there is evidence that people are deliberately destroying the additional fencing that was put up to prevent its use during the closure. It will re-open in March 2006. Peter Strachan, Network Rail’s route director, said: “This is sheer lunacy because trains are travelling over this crossing at 125 mph. I appreciate that the closure is inconvenient, and we will do the work as quickly as possible.  But in the meantime, I appeal to people to use their common sense and not dice with death for the sake of saving a few minutes getting from A to B. Network Rail will press for the prosecution of anyone caught trespassing at the crossing.” There is no alternative pedestrian route, but a local bus service (No. 200) runs from outside Runcorn East station and links up with Red Brow Lane at the other side of the crossing.