03.09.13
High-risk level crossing footpath replaced
A new footbridge has replaced a level crossing footpath at Fishbourne in Sussex, Network Rail has announced.
The high-risk crossing has seen a number of incidents over the past few years, including three fatalities, 22 near misses with trains, nine reports of misuse and 18 acts of vandalism.
The bridge provides step-free access across the railway and is funded as part of Network Rail’s £130m safety improvement programme.
Tim Robinson, Network Rail’s route managing director for Sussex, said: “Safety is our number one priority and this bridge provides the public with a much safer route across a busy section of railway. Network Rail is committed to improving level crossing safety across Sussex and Surrey and is constantly looking at ways to make them safer and more reliable where possible.
“We are working with West Sussex County Council to now permanently close the crossing as quickly as possible. In the meantime, I would encourage everyone to use the bridge and remove the risk of crossing the railway completely.”
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