Inchyra crossing is the first Scottish public level crossing to close this century

We’ve removed the automatic half-barrier crossing from the network after working with Perth and Kinross Council to create a new link road to divert traffic away from the railway.

The new link road, between Inchyra and St Madoes in the Carse of Gowrie, was opened by John Swinney, MSP for Perthshire North and the Scottish Government’s cabinet secretary for finance and sustainable growth.

What we've delivered

As part of the project we have:

• installed 1,100 metres of single carriageway with passing places along with drainage
• protected the public utilities
• installed a concrete culvert to allow the new road to cross the Cairnie Pow watercourse

Working together

David Simpson, our route managing director for Scotland, said: “Level crossing misuse represents the biggest outside risk to rail safety. We are committed to closing crossings where possible and we also avoid building new crossings into our lines.

“The closure of Inchyra shows what can be done to remove crossings from the network and is a great example of a local authority and Network Rail working together to improve public safety. We hope that the closure is just the first of many in Scotland.”

Better access

Perth and Kinross enterprise and infrastructure convener, councillor John Kellas said: "We are pleased to have worked with Network Rail to make a dual improvement to transport safety in the Carse through this project. The new link road provides better access for residents and visitors to Inchyra, in combination with the closure of the level crossing, removing a hazard point for motorists and train travellers alike."

Reducing the number of level crossings

The closure is part of our wider initiative to reduce the number of level crossings on Scottish roads. We’re currently in negotiations with other councils over the future of several public crossings as we are unable to close any public level crossing without local authority support.

Trials of an innovative new mini-barrier system for open crossings will also begin shortly at Ardrossan in Ayrshire.

Read more about level crossings. 

Fact file

• Level crossing misuse is the biggest outside risk to rail safety and we work hard to raise awareness of safe use among motorist through TV, radio and print safety campaigns and by working closely with the BTP to educate crossing users
• We also work closely with the BTP to seek the prosecution those who abuse the infrastructure – and in September 2011, we funded the introduction of a new police CCTV camera van to monitor crossing abuse in Scotland
• We are also looking at a wide range of other options for reducing risk at crossings – including upgrading open crossings as they become due for renewal and developing new technologies which can be used to enhance protection for rail and road users (such as obstacle detection crossings)