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Monday 30 Oct 2023

Three level crossing upgrades to help keep Norfolk moving safely and reliably

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

Network Rail has upgraded three level crossings in Norfolk with brand new safety equipment.

Before the work, which was completed this autumn, people had to phone the signaller to get permission to cross with any vehicle.

The new safety equipment means that most users no longer have to phone the signaller, with the simplified process helping to minimise risk and the time spent waiting to cross. The improvements have also reduced the signaller’s workload, so they can concentrate on running trains safely and reliably on other parts of their patch.

Two of the crossings are Coltishall Lane and Belaugh Lane, which are between Hoveton & Wroxham and Worstead stations on the Norwich-Sheringham line. At these crossings, the manual gates have been replaced with modern automatic barriers, removing risks and potential train delays caused by users not operating the gates correctly.

At Shadwell level crossing, between Harling Road and Thetford stations on the line between Norwich and Ely, a miniature stop light system has been installed. This has red and green lights, and an auditory warning, so that people know when a train is coming.

The upgrades mean that at all three crossings, pedestrians are provided with automatic visual and audible warnings rather than having to rely only on looking and listening for approaching trains.

Suzanne Renton, head of safety at Network Rail Anglia, said: “The technology we’ve installed will help to keep everyone moving as safely and reliably as possible. Level crossings can be dangerous if not used correctly so we’re highly focused on reducing the potential for things to go wrong wherever we can.

“However, even with safety equipment installed, we still rely on users to do the right thing. At all level crossings, I’d urge people to read instructions carefully and always respect locked gates, barriers, lights and alarms.”