Media centre

Tuesday 16 Jun 2009

TIPTON LEVEL CROSSING USERS GET SAFETY MESSAGE

Region & Route:

Following the closure of the Owen Street subway at Tipton level crossing on Monday 15 June, Network Rail is reminding pedestrians to use the level crossing correctly and not put their lives at risk.

Network Rail’s railway community safety manager visited St Paul’s Primary School and Sunny Hill Primary School, the two schools closest to the crossing, to explain to pupils how to use level crossings safely.

Chris Rowley, area general manager, Network Rail said

“The barriers at this crossing can be closed for over 10 minutes at a time as it is the last level crossing on the busy West Coast Mainline, so it is really important that people are patient and wait. Trains travel over the crossing at speeds of up to 75 mph and would be unable to stop if someone stepped out onto the crossing when the barriers are down. We are making sure young people in the area know the dangers of the railway and use the level crossing properly.”

During the closure, approach ramps to the subway will be reconstructed to meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act. The subway is due to re-open to pedestrians in October 2009 at the same time that the new road subway will open (see notes to editors).

Network Rail advises pedestrians take extra care at level crossings and follow any instructions at the crossing. Do not cross if the red lights show, an alarm is sounding or the barriers are being lowered.

To improve safety and convenience for users of the level crossing the following additional measures will be put in place:

· waiting areas with shelters will be provided either side of the level crossing

· pedestrians will be accompanied across the level crossing at peak times during the first few weeks of the closure, whilst users become familiar with the operation of the level crossing.

It is also recommended that passengers intending to join trains at Tipton Station, including those using the Tipton park and ride, allow extra time for their journey. The level crossing barriers can stay down for as long as 15 minutes at a time during busy periods.

This work forms part of a project to build a new underpass for road traffic under the railway at Tipton and close the level crossing.