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Wednesday 30 Oct 2013

Rail safety in Hertfordshire to improve as bridges replace three level crossings

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Work to replace three level crossings in Hertfordshire with modern, safer alternatives is set to begin over the coming weeks as part of Network Rail’s national level crossing safety improvement programme.

The three level crossings at Thorley, Mansers and Cadmore Lane will be replaced by either a footbridge or a cycle bridge, enabling the public to cross the railway safely. The closures have been enabled by the support of Hertfordshire County Council and Broxborough Borough Council, and follow the closure of Johnson’s level crossing in 2012, also part of Network Rail’s efforts to reduce the risk of accidents taking place at level crossings.

Richard Schofield, route managing director, Network Rail, said: “Where a road, footpath or cycleway meets the railway there will always be a certain level of risk to motorists or pedestrians. Network Rail is committed to reduce that risk as much as possible, so if we can close a level crossing and replace it with alternative means of crossing the railway, we will.

“Safety is our number one priority. By working closely with our local authority partners, the new bridges at these Hertfordshire level crossings will provide the public with a much safer route across the railway.”

Trains travelling at high speed frequently pass through Thorley level crossing. After receiving planning approval this summer, work to build a stepped footbridge is now due to begin on 18 November 2013. This will be completed by the end of March 2014, when the level crossing will close permanently.

Work on a replacement stepped footbridge at Mansers level crossing, near Bingley Way, Hoddesdon - which has seen three instances of misuse in the last six months alone – is due to start in the coming weeks. Completion of this programme of work is currently scheduled for the end of January 2014.

Cadmore Lane has been identified as one of the Anglia route’s top 50 high risk level crossings, owing to the large number of users and frequent train services that pass through. Hertfordshire County Council and Broxbourne Borough Council are each contributing £155,000 towards the £2m total fund required to close the crossing, which will be replaced with a ramped cycle bridge by the end of February 2014, providing easier access for the public.

Terry Douris, Cabinet Member for Highways at Hertfordshire County Council, said, “It goes without saying that in Hertfordshire our principal concern is people's safety coupled with ways to increase the amount of walking and cycling journeys in Hertfordshire to improve public health. We have committed to provide a contribution towards the Cadmore Lane Bridge to ensure that the proposed structure at this location is suitable for cyclist and pedestrians alike to access the Lea Valley Park.”

Network Rail has closed over 700 level crossings across Britain since 2009 as part of its £130m investment programme to improve level crossing safety.