Media centre

Monday 22 Sep 2014

Temporary footbridge for Ham Street station after level crossing incidents

Region & Route:

| Southern

A temporary footbridge has been built at Ham Street station following an incident with a young person on the footpath crossing. Video footage from the stations also shows that station users including schoolchildren regularly cross the tracks without looking or listening.

Until now, the design of the station meant that the only way of getting between the platforms was to cross the tracks.

Network Rail has already committed to close the crossing and replace it with a permanent, accessible solution in the next few years. However, the seriousness of the situation means a footbridge has been built and the crossing taken out of use and fenced off.

Network Rail route managing director, Dave Ward, said: “We have been working on plans for a permanent, accessible alternative to the level crossing but having seen videos of these latest incidents, we took the decision to act sooner rather than later.

“We’ve got a long way to go to close all the crossings we have to in the south east, and we need the help of everyone, from passengers to councils and our neighbours to help us make the railway safer.”

The near miss involved a young person walking out in front of an oncoming train, before spotting the train and stopping just in time. Network Rail has been working with schools whose pupils regularly use the crossing.

Dave Ward added: “We realise that a side effect of this decision is that we no longer have step-free access between the ticket office and platform 2, although there are still ramps to the individual platforms.”

Southern’s station group manager, Graham Thrower, said: “Our overriding priority is the safety of our passengers and staff. This footbridge will remove the risk from the station and although the crossing will be closed, our passengers who will be unable to use the footbridge may gain access via the ramp to platform 2 from the road. We have also installed a ticket machine on platform 2 for passengers travelling towards Hastings.

“Passengers using the ramp leading to Platform 2 may find it difficult due to the length and incline. We would advise those who have a mobility difficulty call our Assisted Travel helpline on 0800 138 1016 for advice and to make alternative arrangements.”