Tuesday 22 Jan 2013
Planning application for Branston footbridge submitted
- Region & Route:
Network Rail has submitted two alternative planning applications for the same site as it seeks to reduce the risk of misuse at Warren Lane level crossing in Branston.
This level crossing ranked amongst the worst on the East Midlands route for misuse and was closed on 31 August 2012.
Martin Frobisher, route managing director for Network Rail, said: “We have seen many incidents and 12 very concerning near misses at this crossing since 2005 and simply could not allow the risk posed by misuse to remain.
“Following public events to discuss our plans we have developed two options. One is a bridge with ramps and stairs, which makes it a very large structure but is fully accessible to all users. The other option is for a simple stepped footbridge with additional work to the existing road bridge at Burton Road to allow full access across the railway to all users. The two applications reflect our commitment to find a solution which balances the requirements of neighbours who may find a structure obtrusive and users whose mobility is impaired.”
Notes to editors
All comments should be made in accordance with East Staffordshire Council's planning application process. The application references are P/2013/00016 (stepped bridge) and 00017 (fully accessible bridge)
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