08.11.13
Essex level crossing replacement programme begins
Network Rail is replacing six level crossings in Essex with footbridges or underpasses to improve safety at the sites. The work is part of the wider national level crossing safety improvement programme.
The six level crossings to be replaced are at Motts Lane (Witham), Long Green (Marks Tey), Shaw Avenue (Shenfield), Billericay West Park Avenue, Golf Links (Chelmsford), and Ingatestone Hall.
The first replacement is due for completion in March 2014 and has received a £500,000 contribution from Braintree District Council towards the £2.3m scheme. Long Green level crossing will be replaced with a ramped footbridge by March 2014, while Shaw Avenue will be replaced by next February with stepped footbridges following five incidents of misuse and one near miss since 2007.
Billericay West Park Avenue and Golf Links level crossings will also be replaced with stepped footbridges by March 2014.
Richard Schofield, route managing director at Network Rail, said: “Where a road, footpath or cycleway meets the railway there will always be a certain level of risk to motorists or pedestrians. Network Rail is committed to reduce that risk as much as possible, so if we can close a level crossing and replace it with alternative means of crossing the railway, we will.
“Safety is our number one priority. By working closely with our local authority partners, the new, modern alternative crossings at each of these Essex level crossings will provide the public with a much safer route across the railway.”
County councillor Rodney L Bass, cabinet member for highways & transportation said: “The works at each of the crossings concerned will necessitate temporary closures, and Essex Highways is working in partnership with Network Rail to ensure the extent of disruption is kept to a minimum during the closure periods.”
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