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Thursday 12 Jan 2006

WORKS START ON NEW UNDERPASS

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Work on the new £1.3 million pedestrian underpass in Grange-over-Sands is due to start in March 2006. When the underpass is built Network Rail will apply to have Bailey Lane level crossing closed permanently. During the construction, the main compound will be situated in Main Street car park, although this will remain open to customers, and a second compound will be situated further up the line towards Barrow-in-Furness. The second compound allows Network Rail to store fewer materials in the car park and therefore to minimise disruption to local people. Preliminary work will begin on the scheme in early March with piling work. Once the line is closed from March 26 for the Leven viaduct blockade, excavation work will begin on the scheme and the underpass will be constructed. Gary Openshaw, General Manager, Lancashire and Cumbria said: “We are beginning preliminary work earlier than originally planned. This will ensure the project finishes on time, and it also means a more staggered delivery period, which will put less strain on local roads.” Level crossings are safe if they are used correctly but Bailey Lane level crossing has a history of misuse and incidents, and this has lead to the decision to provide alternative means of crossing the railway line.  A temporary walkway will also be constructed at the end of February alongside the promenade to enable continuous access along the section closed during the work. Network Rail understands the promenade is one of the town’s main attractions and in the spirit of being a good neighbour, the company wanted to keep it open. If anyone has any concerns or questions about the scheme they can contact Network Rail through the company’s National Helpline, which is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, on 08457 114141.