2 LEVEL CROSSING SAFETYSUPPLEMENT


Martin Gallagher Head of Level Crossings, Network Rail


Network Rail committed to reducing the risk at level crossings


Level crossings are one of the most difficult issues facing Network Rail today. They are a legacy from the early days of steam when the expansion of the railways cut across land and highways to meet the then modern commercial and private demands of a growing population. They are a relic from the past and have no place on a modern railway where speeds and frequency of trains and users is far greater than originally anticipated. The huge increase in numbers of people and road vehicles as well as the vast array of leisure pursuits criss-crossing the railway has created a major issue for the safe and effective management of the infrastructure at this interface.


High-speed or new lines today are not designed with level crossings, but with approximately 7,000 on Network Rail managed infrastructure, they pose a huge challenge. They represent one of the largest risks of train accidents and also a significant percentage of safety risk. They affect performance and potential line speed improvements or re-signalling schemes as well as enormous reputational issues. The reputational issues are not confined to tragedy and the unnecessary loss of life when an


» To address the challenges we face with level crossings, significant investment is needed «


accident or incident does occur. Trying to upgrade, enhance or close a level crossing – particularly a crossing on a public road or with a public right of way – is a minefield of stakeholder management and planning consents and enquiries, where it is often not possible to reach agreement or consensus with all sides. Road users don’t want to be delayed but equally residents don’t want bridges or underpasses


European Railway Review Volume 17, Issue 4, 2011


built close to them. Parents don’t want their children crossing railway lines via a footpath crossing but dog walkers and ramblers prefer the status quo. The East Coast Main Line has approximately 200 level crossings and there are many hundred


more on main lines. Lots of these are not signal controlled or automatic – they are what we refer to as ‘passive’ crossings where the burden is on the vehicle driver or pedestrian to decide when it is safe to cross. We can not close every crossing, so prioritising where to invest is critical. We have just had the Value for Money and


McNulty reviews and scrutiny over public spending has not been as intense for at least one generation. Yet to address the challenges we face with level crossings, significant investment is needed. Eliminating the risk of a level crossing by providing an alternative access is our preference, but at a cost of between £10 million and £30 million to build a road bridge or underpass, it will take a lot of time and


Inside a Level Crossing Camera Vehicle


Photo Source: www.networkrail.co.uk


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