600th level crossing closed in safety programme

We’ve just closed our 600th level crossing since 2009 as part of a £130m investment programme to improve safety and reduce the risk where the road or path meets the railway.

We’ve just closed our 600th level crossing since 2009 as part of a £130m investment programme to improve safety and reduce the risk where the road or path meets the railway.

The majority of the closures involved user-worked crossings, which are mostly private crossings rather than public rights of way. The barriers or gates are operated by the person crossing and warning measures include miniature warning lights, signs or telephones. While situated in rural areas, many cross busy main lines.

In many cases an alternative access for the user was either available or has been provided to secure the crossing closure. Around 125 footpath crossings have also been closed. Footpath crossings are the focus of our current TV advertising campaign: See Track/Think Train - see the advert on YouTube.

Martin Gallagher, our head of level crossings, said: "Every crossing that we close removes the risk of a vehicle or person being struck by a train at these locations and improves safety for everyone on the railway.

“We've closed around 100 in the last year and aim to close 750 in total by spring 2014 so there is much more work to do. Closing a level crossing is not always an easy process, and we often need the support of land owners, local authorities and users. I look to their continued support as we look to improve safety and modernise the rail network for the future."