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Wednesday 6 Jan 2016

Work begins to reopen Plumpton level crossing

Region & Route:

| Southern

Network Rail has begun the work needed to enable the reopening of Plumpton level crossing, in Sussex.

 

Work started today (Wednesday, January 6) and the aim is to have work completed and the road reopened by February 8, 2016.

Network Rail’s area director Steve Knight said: “We realise the impact the closure of this road has had on the local community and I am very sorry for the disruption.

“We have been working through the planning process with Lewes District Council since October and I’m pleased we are now able to move this forward.

“The work we are undertaking is not a quick process as we have to carefully remove and preserve the original crossing equipment and then install modern level crossing equipment and associated signalling technology.

“However, the completion of this work will deliver a safer the level crossing that is fit for the future.”

Planning permission was received in December to allow for the temporary removal of the existing wooden level crossing gates and their replacement with a modern equivalent.

A further application to make their removal permanent is due to be heard by Lewes District Council next week (January 13).

The wooden gates will be stored safely and securely until a decision is made on their future.