15.09.15
Novel level crossing design fast tracked for Redcar
A telescopic barrier that could change the appearance of level crossings across the country is to be installed at Redcar – two years ahead of schedule.
As the existing boom gate crossing on West Dyke Road has approached the end of its working life, it has started to suffer from frequent reliability issues during strong winds.
In the last year alone, Network Rail engineers in an attempt to improve its reliability have put in a new battery, motor, wheels and reduced the size of the slats across the barrier face.
But plans to install the replacement barrier – originally due in 2018 – have now been fast-tracked through the approvals process by the local authorities, allowing work on the novel crossing design to start in October this year.
The new barrier will slide out across West Dyke Road from alongside the railway tracks, meaning they will no longer swing out into the road and battle against the wind.
Gary Walsh, area director for Network Rail, said: “We are all too aware of the problems suffered at West Dyke Road in high winds and decided that the level of disruption caused needed addressing ahead of the original programme.
“The new barrier has been designed with this specific problem in mind and is unlike any existing crossing on the network, and we are confident that its installation with help improve the flow of traffic and pedestrians in Redcar.”
The bespoke barrier will also mean that the signal box at Redcar can remain, reducing the amount of time the work will take to complete.
(Image: The existing barriers at West Dyke Road level crossing)