Network Rail submits proposals to shut or modify several level crossings

To reduce the risk that level crossings pose, Network Rail has applied to the Secretary of State for Transport for a Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) to close or modify 61 level crossings across Essex, Hertfordshire, Havering, Southend and Thurrock.

Closing level crossings and diverting to alternatives will make the railway safer by removing the point where people can come into contact with trains, as well as improve efficiency and reliability and facilitate potential future developments for faster and more frequent services.

Following an analysis of responses obtained from public consultation events, the following level crossings have been removed:

• Church 1 near Marks Tey
• Frating Abbey in Great Bentley
• Josselyns and Lamarsh Kings Farm in the north west of Colchester
• Puddle Dock in Upminster
• Sadlers in Harlow
• Twyford Road in Bishops Stortford
• Creaksea Place 1 in Burnham on Crouch.

“We have carried out a comprehensive programme of consultation to fully understand the impact of our proposals and I’d like to thank everyone who contributed,” said Richard Schofield, Network Rail’s Route Managing Director for Anglia. “As intended, the feedback we received has informed our final proposals, and we await the decision of the Secretary of State. We are committed to improving safety and efficiency at level crossings as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan.”

The crossings identified for potential closure include those where:

• there are private rights only
• people can easily be diverted to where a nearby alternative exists
• a new public route to a nearby alternative can be provided.

The proposal also looks to downgrade level crossings to non-motorised users and none of the proposed crossings involve closing public A or B roads. The closures, if agreed, will take place from late 2018.