Over 100 attend level crossing forum

Over 100 people attended a public forum today on Network Rail’s plans for the pedestrian level crossing at Whitebridge Lane, which could see its closure.

The forum took place between 3pm and 7pm at the community building at Stone station and Network Rail officials, including scheme manager Paul Sumner, were on hand to talk to residents about the possible options. Architects’ plans were available, as well as a slideshow detailing some of the options. Unfortunately, photographs were not allowed but hopefully the slides and plans will be on the site soon. Residents could also leave their comments.

Network Rail officials were keen to stress the danger of the level crossing. There were two reported near misses at the Whitebridge Lane level crossing last year, as well as one in 2008 and another in 2006. An official said there is a speed restriction currently in place at the crossing because of the safety risk.

The options for the level crossing are (and these have changed from the original letter to residents and notice at the crossing, with the addition of a subway option):

Article continues after this message

• Closure with diversion – the railway would have to be crossed at other existing crossing points
• Stepped footbridge, like the one at Stone station
• Stepped footbridge with ramp access
• Subway.

Paul Sumner said the consensus from residents on the day was for a footbridge, most likely with ramp access. What was clear from looking at the comments book was the overwhelming desire to keep Whitebridge Lane as a crossing point. Closure is certainly not what local people want, it seems.

Network Rail will produce a report before going out to external bodies like train operators and local authorities. Mr Sumner said there would be another open forum in the spring. Whatever option is chosen, a formal planning application would be made in the summer and any replacement crossing would be built in late 2012 or early 2013.

If you didn’t make the forum, you can still have your say. Comments can be emailed to CRNW@networkrail.co.uk, sent by post to Network Rail, Community Relations, North West, 3rd floor, Square One, 4 Travis Street, Manchester M1 2NY,  or by calling 08457 114141, quoting “Four Lane Ends”.

Comments must be received by Network Rail by the end of January.

Were you at the forum? What did you think?