14.10.13
Safety works for Harrogate line stations
Work is taking place to reduce the risk at pedestrian crossings on the Harrogate line, Network Rail has announced.
At Poppleton station a new entrance is being created for one of the platforms. Pedestrian gates which did not lock when trains passed are being removed.
Similar works are also taking place at Cattal and Hammerton stations, with work expected to be finished by October 21.
Phil Verster, route managing director of Network Rail, explained: “Just this week a train driver reported a near miss with a cyclist using Poppleton pedestrian crossing. By directing all users to the main gates at the adjoining road crossing there is no risk of anyone accidentally straying onto the railway.
“At the same time a new gate and fence will be installed at Cattal station to prevent passengers crossing the line until the train has left the station. At the moment there is no physical barrier preventing them from walking out in front of a train. At Hammerton we are putting up additional signage to remind people not to use the pedestrian crossing when the gates are closed.”
Richard Allan, area director for Northern Rail, added: “We hope that removing the pedestrian crossing at Poppleton, increasing signage at Hammerton and installing a new gate and fence at Cattal will make customers more aware of their own safety. One near miss is one too many.”
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