Media centre

Wednesday 7 Jun 2017

Residents invited to find out about level crossing improvement work between Leominster and Shrewsbury

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

Network Rail will be upgrading Onibury level crossing on the A49 to make it more robust and reduce future disruption to road and rail users. The community around the crossing is invited to find out more about this work.

Jeff Davies, director, route safety and asset management for Network Rail Wales, said: “Onibury level crossing has been closed at short notice several times recently for essential maintenance, which has caused disruption for the local community and commuters.

“The level crossing is due to be closed at the beginning of July to allow engineers to completely renew the crossing and fully upgrade the track.

“We’d like to invite the local community to come along to one of our drop-in events to find out more about this work, which will help to prevent repeated closures in the future and allow us to continue operating a safe and reliable railway.”

Network Rail staff will be available to answer any questions residents may have, during public information events on the following days:

• Tuesday 13 June from 15.00 to 19.00 at Ludlow Mascall Centre, Lower Galdeford, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 1RZ.
• Wednesday 14 June from 15.00 to 19.00 at Onibury Village Hall, Onibury Shropshire, SY7 9AW.
• Thursday 15 June from 15.00 to 19.00 at Mayfair Community Centre, Easthope Road, Church Stretton, SY6 6BL.

The road surface on Onibury level crossing has deteriorated and pot-holes have formed due to its location on the busy A49, where thousands of vehicles put pressure on the surface of the crossing every day.

During the past six months, six emergency road closures have had to take place following damage to the surface of Onibury level crossing.

The planned temporary closure of the level crossing will allow Network Rail to completely renew the crossing and fully upgrade the track. This will significantly extend the life of the crossing and help to prevent repeated closures in the future. The new level crossing panels will be made of black rubber instead of concrete. This means that the surface will be more durable and smoother for road users when crossing.

The level crossing will be closed from 00.01 on Saturday 1 July and will reopen at 06.00 on Monday 10 July. To keep the public safe, the road will be fully closed to vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists during this time. Work will be completed as quickly and safely as possible.

Mr Davies said: “The diversionary route is being developed in collaboration with Highways England and the relevant local authorities. We are exploring all options that would deliver the best possible outcomes for road users.”

The diversionary route will be fully signposted and maintained throughout the road closure.

Road users are advised to plan ahead and allow additional time for travelling.      

The railway will be closed on the weekends of 1-2 July and 8-9 July.

Network Rail is working with Arriva Trains Wales to minimise disruption. Rail passengers are advised to check www.nationalrail.co.uk before travelling.