Network Rail to improve safety at more level crossings

The level crossing at Levington

The level crossings at Morston Hall, Thorpe Lane, Levington and Westerfield will be upgraded to full barriers, three with obstacle detection systems and one with CCTV.

These modern level crossings provide additional safety for everyone wishing to cross the railway, either as a motorist or a pedestrian.

The crossings will be taken out of service to remove the existing barriers and equipment. When the crossings are closed, Network Rail plans to maintain access for residents and businesses where possible. Over consecutive weekends when trains are suspended, each level crossing will then need to be upgraded, tested and brought back into service one by one. This is to ensure that the new equipment and signalling systems are performing as required and it is safe for the public to use.

Meliha Duymaz, Network Rail’s Route Managing Director for Anglia, said: “We’re focused on reducing the impact for the people who live by the railway as much as possible. We have been talking with the communities affected to develop solutions to maintain vehicle access while these level crossings are closed. I want to thank everyone that has been involved in helping us to develop our plans to deliver these important upgrades which will improve safety for crossing users.”

Work to upgrade the level crossings can only be undertaken when trains are not running, usually at weekends to maintain safety. This means that each level crossing will be closed for several weeks while the main upgrade work is completed over consecutive weekends.

This work is being done ahead of the expected increase in the number of freight trains using the branch line that will serve the Port of Felixstowe. Operating more trains on the branch lines requires an increased level of safety at the level crossings which is why they are being upgraded.