Media centre

Tuesday 11 Aug 2015

Upgrade of level crossings on north Wales border to improve safety

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

Network Rail is continuing to improve level crossings between Wrexham and Chester as part of work to provide a safer and more reliable railway for passengers and communities on the north Wales border.

The work, which will ultimately see four crossings upgraded from half barrier to full barriers, is part of a Welsh Government-funded project to allow for more frequent and faster journeys for passengers between north and south Wales.

The upgrades will help improve safety as part of Network Rail’s commitment to either close or make crossings safer across the entire country.

As part of the ongoing works to the level crossings, it is necessary to temporarily close the roads on which the level crossings are located at Broad Oak, near Rossett, and Balderton.

• Balderton level crossing will be closed from Saturday 15 August until Saturday 29 August.
• Broad Oak level crossing will be closed from Saturday 15 August until Saturday 5 September.

Network Rail has worked closely with the local authorities regarding the diversionary routes, which will be clearly signposted.

Businesses situated either side of the crossings will be open as usual during this time.

There will be further road closures later this year to enable all four level crossings to be fully commissioned. 

James Jackson, route enhancement manager for Network Rail Wales, said: “Passenger demand between north and south Wales has significantly increased in the last decade.

“We are working to improve capacity and reduce journey times by laying down extra track and undertaking work to improve line-speed. This will allow for more frequent and faster journeys between north and south Wales to cater for more and more passengers. 

“With the potential for faster and more frequent services, we need to ensure that risk at level crossings is appropriately managed. The work that we are undertaking between Wrexham and Chester will see the current half barrier crossings upgraded to modern, full barrier crossings, which offer more protection to crossing users.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this improvement work may cause.”

The project to help deliver journey improvements between north Wales and Cardiff involves track work to increase line speeds and adding a second track between Wrexham and Chester – specifically between Rossett Junction and Saltney Junction.  This will involve moving the existing track across and laying new track alongside it. 

Members of the public requiring additional information can call Network Rail’s 24-Hour National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41 or email crwales@networkrail.co.uk.