Level crossing safety improvement work

Network Rail wants people’s views on a proposal to enhance safety at the level crossing in Whitebridge Lane which could see the closure of the crossing to pedestrians.

There will be an open forum and presentation at Stone station community building on Wednesday 22nd December between 3pm and 7pm into the proposal.

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The crossing is accessed by a metal gate at each side of the railway line. The gates are open at all times, so pedestrians have to gauge when it is safe to cross. A Network Rail spokesman said: “Safety is our number one priority and for this reason Network Rail is seeking to reduce the safety risk prevented by the type and nature of the crossing.”

A letter has been sent to residents near the crossing, which identifies four options that have been identified:

• Closure of the crossing to pedestrians and diversion put in place
• Construction of a stepped footbridge across the railway. This would require building demolition and / or land purchase with a significant environmental impact (visual intrusion and loss of agricultural land)
• Construction of a ramped footbridge across the railway. This would require building demolition and / or land purchase with the greatest environmental impact (visual intrusion and loss of agricultural land)
• Provision of a subway to replace the crossing. This could require building demolition and / or land purchase with a significant environmental impact (visual intrusion and loss of agricultural land).

As well as the public forum on Wednesday, comments can also be sent by post to Network Rail, Community Relations, North West, 3rd floor, Square One, 4 Travis Street, Manchester M1 2NY, by email to CRNW@networkrail.co.uk and by calling 08457 114141, quoting “Four Lane Ends”.