New footbridge opens at Fishbourne level crossing

A new footbridge which will replace a high-risk footpath level crossing in Sussex has opened to the public.

The bridge in Fishbourne, near Chichester, links Fishbourne Road East and Westgate and has been built as part of Network Rail’s ongoing work to improve safety at level crossings.

In recent years there have been a number of incidents at the crossing including three fatalities, 22 near misses with trains, nine reports of misuse and 18 acts of vandalism.

The footbridge provides step-free access across the railway and has been built on the site of the existing crossing.

Tim Robinson, Network Rail’s route managing director for Sussex, said: “Safety is our number one priority and this bridge provides the public with a much safer route across a busy section of railway. Network Rail is committed to improving level crossing safety across Sussex and Surrey and is constantly looking at ways to make them safer and more reliable where possible.

“We are working with West Sussex County Council to now permanently close the crossing as quickly as possible. In the meantime, I would encourage everyone to use the bridge and remove the risk of crossing the railway completely.”

Network Rail has a £130m safety package to help reduce risk and close level crossings where possible. To date, 700 level crossings have been closed nationally.

Level crossing and safety managers work across Sussex and Surrey to help educate communities, and particularly young people, about how to use level crossings safely. To encourage the use of the bridge, Network Rail staff will make regular visits to the level crossing this week to speak to cyclists and pedestrians.