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Man dies after being struck by train at Ufton Nervet level crossing yesterday evening
 
A man died after he was hit by a train at a level crossing in Ufton Nervet last night (Wednesday).
British Transport police were alerted to the incident just before 8pm and both Thames Valley Police officers and paramedics rushed to the scene to no avail.
BTP spokesman, Gavin Brown, said the man was hit by the 4.57 high speed Plymouth to Paddington train while on the level crossing at Church Lane.
He said: ^The incident is being treated as non-suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.^
A spokeswoman for the train operator, First Great Western, said that the train driver involved in the incident was not at work today but would receive "all the necessary support".
Passengers travelling on the service were forced to alight at Reading and were delayed until nearly 10pm as the train involved in the incident was sent to a depot.

Isn't this the crossing where an HST was pretty much written off  ???

The level crossing was the site of another tragic incident in November 2004 when Brian Drysdale committed suicide.
Seven people died when the 17.35 First Great Western Paddington to Plymouth train collided with Drysdale's Mazda 323, which had been parked on the unmanned, half barrier level crossing at Ufton Nervet.

A Little Bedwyn woman, 55-year-old Julia Canning, was also killed at a foot crossing at Little Bedwyn just under a month ago when she was struck by a train in a tragic accident on the same line.
Mrs Canning was believed to have been walking her dog when she was hit by the 5.08pm Newbury to Bedwyn service at around 5.30pm.
The British Transport Police described the incident involving Mrs Canning as an accident and said there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.

My deepest sympathy, however unless the crossing was at fault, why was he on it??

BTP spokesman, Gavin Brown, said ... ^The incident is being treated as non-suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.^

Don't get carried away. I understand this was a clear suicide. I won't describe exactly what happened, but forget any thoughts of infrastructure issues. I have no information as to whether or not this was related to the previous suicide at this crossing which caused the derailment.

My thoughts are with the driver.

The man who died after being hit by a train at the Ufton Nervet level crossing has been named.
Thomas Porter, aged 67 and from Reading, died on Wednesday night after he was hit by the 16.57 high speed Plymouth to Paddington train while on the level crossing at Church Lane.

My thoughts are with the driver.

Controversial crossing, where seven people died after a crash five years ago, could be axed says Network Rail

The controversial half barrier railway crossing at Ufton Nervet could soon be closed for good. Network Rail has revealed that the site of the rail tragedy five years ago this month, is one of a number of ^low risk^ crossings being considered for the axe nationwide.

The proposal has caused dismay among some villagers and Newbury MP Richard Benyon, who owns land surrounding the site, has also voiced his opposition.

Seven people died when a First Great Western Paddington to Plymouth train collided with a Mazda 323 deliberately parked on the crossing by suicidal motorist Brian Drysdale on November 6, 2004. Dozens more were injured and the trauma for many continues to this day.

But Network Rail spokesman Russell Spink confirmed this week: ^Ufton Lane crossing is low-risk compared with other similar crossings and, apart from the tragic collision which occurred five years ago, there has not seen a serious incident in more than three decades since the barriers were installed. The crossing is due for refurbishment in 2011 and, as is the case whenever a crossing is due for refurbishment, the possibility of closure is being examined.^

Network Rail has already held preliminary discussions with West Berkshire Council and plans to meet Ufton Nervet parish council next month.

However, parish council chairman David Hannington has vowed to oppose the closure. He said: ^If they close it, it will push all the traffic onto the Sulhamstead Road, onto the exit with the A4."

Richard Hutchings, aged 65, of Sulhamstead Hill warned closure would mean increased traffic seeking an alternative route past local homes and added: ^It^s bad enough now, without adding more to it.^

Campbell Elder, aged 39, of Church Lane, said accessing the A4 was already very difficult and any closure would worsen the problem. He added: ^We use the crossing to get to work and we would face a big detour up Sulhamstead Hill.^

Farmer David Hayes, aged 58, who owns land adjacent to the railway crossing, said: ^Anyone making deliveries to the farm would have to go right through Aldermaston. It^s just the railway trying to save money. Most people up here don^t want it closed.^

Another resident, Annette Haylock, aged 73, of Long Acre, said: ^It would be very inconvenient. We are pensioners and we would have to go a long way around.^

Local landowner Mr Benyon agreed saying: ^It would be a huge disadvantage for those people who live there.^

Meanwhile, a vigil was held at the spot where the tragedy happened, and Newbury survivors Jane Hawker and Julie Lloyds have organised an area of reflection nearby.

Mrs Hawker, who was injured in the tragedy, said: ^A silver birch has been planted in a gravelled area and two benches and a memorial plaque installed. The response has been overwhelming ^ people have told us they feel safe there whilst they sit and reflect.^

An inquest hears how a man stood on the tracks at Ufton Nervet in front of an oncoming train

A Newbury inquest has heard how a 67-year-old man took his own life by jumping in front of an oncoming train at the Ufton Nervet level crossing.
Thomas Porter, of St Peter^s Road, Reading, died of multiple injuries on Wednesday, June 3, after he was struck by the 16.57 high speed Plymouth to Paddington train.
An inquest at Newbury Town Hall heard on Wednesday how Mr Porter had left his home in the early evening after telling his wife, Jennifer, he was going for a walk.
Assistant deputy coroner for Berkshire, Anna Burnside, explained how First Great Western train driver, Alan Ray, was travelling along the track just before 8pm that evening.
In a statement to the court, Mr Ray said he had just left Aldermaston station and was reaching speeds of up to 100mph when the incident happened.
Mr Ray explained how the track curved and how he followed instructions from a sign, which ordered drivers to sound the horn.
He said: ^I sounded the horn and as the track curves to the right, suddenly, I saw a male on the barrier and he then started to run towards my train and he got down on his hands and knees. I immediately pulled the emergency brakes.
^I believe the male^s actions were intentional and unfortunately there was no way I was able to stop the train.^
The court heard how Mr Porter, who was in the building trade, had in the past suffered with hip problems and more recently developed nausea which doctors believed was due to mild stress from work.
Mrs Porter said in a statement to the court that she was shocked by her husband^s death because they had no financial difficulties and life appeared to be normal.
She said: ^He left the house saying he was going for a walk around the block and I saw him talking to a neighbour.
^On leaving the house, he seemed fine. Everything appeared normal but I can^t think of why he did something like this.
^His death came as a complete shock to me.^
Ms Burnside said there was no reasonable doubt that Mr Porter wanted to kill himself and recorded a verdict of suicide.
The level crossing was the site of another tragic incident in November 2004 when Brian Drysdale committed suicide after parking his car on the tracks.
Seven people died when the 17.35 First Great Western Paddington to Plymouth train collided with Drysdale's Mazda 323.

Man hit by train on level crossing in Berkshire dies

A man died when he was hit by a train at a level crossing in Berkshire.
Emergency crews were called to Ufton Nervet, near Reading, at about 0610 GMT and services on the busy commuter route were suspended.
A British Transport Police spokesman said the death was being treated as "unexplained" and that a file would be prepared for the coroner.
First Great Western said the line from Reading to Westbury reopened at 1230 GMT, but delays were still expected.
Passengers have been advised to contact rail companies concerning the impact to their journeys.
A shuttle bus had been put in place earlier, between Theale and Reading and Newbury and Bedwyn, for passengers.
The train involved in the incident was the 0521 service from Reading to Bedwyn.
A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said they had yet to identify the dead man.

Third fatal incident at Ufton Nervet level crossing

Train services between Reading and Newbury have been disrupted after a train hit a person near Ufton Nervet level crossing this morning.

The dead person is reported to be male.

British Transport Police said the incident happened around 5.40am about 50 to 100 yards from the crossing.

The death is being treated as unexplained.

Rail services between Reading and Westbury were facing cancellations and delays of up to one hour this mornign but are now back to normal.

The incident happened near the spot where seven people died in November 2004 after  the train they were travelling on hit a car driven onto the level crossing by Newtown chef Bryan Drysdale who committed suicide .

In June, last year, East Reading man Thomas Porter was killed when he was struck by a train at the level crossing. At an inquest into his death last Wednesday, a coroner at Newbury Town Hall recorded a verdict of suicide.

Police strive to identify rail death victim

A MAN who died when he was hit by a passing train in Ufton Nervet today is believed to have been in his late 40s or early 50s.
British Transport Police are officially treating the death as "unexplained" and spokeswoman Emma Wiggins said tonight officers are still trying to identify the man so that they can contact his family.
The incident took place at the unmanned level crossing in the village where seven people died in November 2004 when an express train hit a car deliberately driven onto the tracks. Police are working on the theory that the victim did not fall or slip and may have walked onto the tracks.
Ms Wiggins said: "The body of a man, believed to be in his late 40s or early 50s, has been recovered from the line and officers are investigating. The train involved was the 05.29am service from Reading to Bedwyn, the driver of which reported striking an object on the line."
The rail line was reopened at 11.45am and services have since returned to normal. Can you help the British Transport Police? Call them on 0800 40 50 40.

Network Rail spokesman Russel Spink confirmed that a train driver reported striking something on the line and the tragedy was confirmed by a second train driver following a few minutes behind.

However, he added, "This incident did not happen at the level crossing but between 50 and 100 yards along the line. Questions of crossing safety are therefore not relevant. It is just a tragic co-incidence that it happened so close to Ufton Nervet crossing."

Man hit by train at Ufton Nervet was from Fareham

A man who died after being struck by a train near Ufton Nervet level crossing yesterday morning is a 49-year-old from Fareham in Hampshire.

He died after he was hit by the 5.21am Reading to Bedwyn service at around 5.40am.

His body was found 50 to 100 yards from the level crossing in the Newbury direction.

British Transport Police confirmed the 49-year-old was believed to be from the Fareham area and that his death is now being treated as non-suspicious.

Formal identification is due to take place tomorrow.

The RAIB is carrying out an investigation into an incident which occurred at Ufton level crossing, Berkshire, between Theale and Aldermaston stations, on 4 September 2011.
The double track main line between Reading (Southcote Junction) and Westbury had been closed for engineering work overnight on Friday/Saturday 3/4 September. One of the two lines was re-opened at about midday, after which it was used to carry trains in both directions until the engineering works were completed in the late afternoon.

At about 12:29 hrs, the 11:13 hrs train from London Paddington to Bedwyn (train 1K54), which was the first train over the line following re-opening, passed over the automatic half barrier level crossing at Ufton at about 60 mph (100 km/h) while the barriers were in the raised position and the road traffic warning lights were not showing. A car, which was approaching from the south on Ufton Lane, the unclassified road which runs over the level crossing, had to stop suddenly to avoid colliding with the train.

The RAIB^s preliminary examination found that the level crossing was being controlled locally at the time of the incident. The person controlling the crossing had not received any instruction to lower the barriers before the train arrived.
The RAIB investigation will include an examination of the arrangements for re-opening the railway to normal train services, particularly the workload on signallers and the arrangements for operating trains in both directions on the same line. It will also examine staff competence and fitness.

The RAIB^s investigation is independent of any investigations by the British Transport Police and the safety authority (the Office of Rail Regulation).

The RAIB will publish a report, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of its investigation. This report will be available on the RAIB website.

Railway staff blunder almost repeats one of Britain's worst ever train crashes

A blunder by railway staff almost resulted in a repeat of one of Britain's worst train crashes in recent years, investigators revealed last night.

But the quick reactions of a driver meant he narrowly averted a catastrophic accident between his car and an intercity service at the spot where seven people died in 2004.

Railway accident investigators have begun a probe into the near miss which happened earlier this month.

The situation arose after engineering works on the stretch of line, when a communication error meant a level crossing was left open after train services resumed.

A spokesman for the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) said: ^The RAIB is carrying out an investigation into an incident which occurred at Ufton level crossing, Berkshire, between Theale and Aldermaston stations, on September 4, 2011.^

The track between Reading's Southcote Junction and Westbury had been closed overnight between Friday, September 3 and Saturday, September 4, to allow work teams to access the line. One of the two lines was re-opened around midday on Saturday to carry trains in both directions until the engineering works were completed late that afternoon.

The RAIB spokesman said: ^At about 12:29pm, the 11:13am train from London Paddington to Bedwyn, the first train over the line following re-opening, passed over the automatic half barrier level crossing at Ufton at about 60 mph while the barriers were in the raised position and the road traffic warning lights were not showing. A car, which was approaching from the south on Ufton Lane, the unclassified road which runs over the level crossing, had to stop suddenly to avoid colliding with the train.^

On November 6, 2004, chef Bryan Drysdale drove his car onto the very same level crossing, leading to his death. The vehicle was hit by the First Great Western London Paddington to Plymouth service, all eight carriages of which were derailed. The driver, five passengers - including two girls aged nine and 14 years - and Drysdale died in the collision.

In the latest incident the RAIB's preliminary examination found that the level crossing was being controlled locally at the time of the incident.

^The person controlling the crossing had not received any instruction to lower the barriers before the train arrived,^ said the investigators.

For the full report the organisation will examine the arrangements for re-opening the railway, the workload on signallers and the arrangements for operating trains in both directions on the same line, as well as staff competence and fitness.

A spokesman for Network Rail, which maintains the national rail infrastructure, said: ^We are cooperating fully with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch, which is carrying out an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident.^

Ufton Nervet crash father's anger over fresh incident

A man whose daughter died in a rail crash in 2004 has said it is "mind-blowingly incompetent" that another crash nearly happened at the same site.

An investigation is under way into a near collision between a car and a train at the Ufton crossing after the barriers were left up on 4 September.

The road traffic warning lights were not showing, although a 60mph (100 km/h) train was approaching.

Seven people died in the accident at the same crossing in November 2004.

The Ufton crossing is located between Theale and Aldermaston stations in Berkshire.

Peter Webster's daughter, Emily, was one of those who died in the collision seven years ago.

'Potential for danger'

He said in some countries the type of barrier in place at Ufton Nervet were banned because they are considered "unsafe".

"There are always people who will panic or gamble they can get through the barrier and away before the train comes," he said. "The potential for danger is so great."

The union of Rail, Maritime and Transport workers (RMT) said level crossings on high speed train lines should be banned and replaced with bridges and underpasses.

RMT spokesman Alex Gordon said: "We warned in 2004, when that terrible accident took seven lives at Ufton Nervet crossing, they would be foolish not to expect another accident to happen again at other level crossings or the same level crossing.

"In France you will not find a high speed rail line with a level crossing on it."

Network Rail and First Great Western both said they were working with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB), which is carrying out an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the latest incident.

A TRAIN has collided with a motorbike on the Ufton Nervet level crossing today (Tuesday), leaving a man dead.
 

British Transport Police spokesman David Hodgson confirmed that a male motorbike rider had died after being hit by a train at the crossing at 1.10pm.
 
The crossing hit national headlines back in 2004 when seven people died.
 
Trains across the area have been delayed as a result of the incident, which is ongoing.
 
Buses are replacing trains between Reading and Newbury and Bedwyn, with journey times extended by up to 30 minutes until further notice.
 
More to follow.

Moped rider killed in Ufton Nervet level crossing crash
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Seven people were killed in an accident in the same place in November 2004

British Transport Police (BTP) said the man was hit by the train at Ufton Nervet at about 13:10 BST.

It happened on the same stretch of track where a train derailed in 2004 when it hit a car parked at the crossing. Seven people were killed.

Rail services have been disrupted, with trains diverted and replacement buses running between Reading and Newbury.

The train involved in the latest incident was the 12:18 First Great Western service from Paddington to Taunton.

South Central Ambulance said the train driver was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

No-one else was injured.

The BBC understands the driver of the high-speed train said the automatic barrier at the level crossing was closed as the train approached.

BTP said early investigations appeared to show the level crossing equipment was in working order.

National Rail said journey times on the line would be extended by up to an hour and the delays were likely to continue until about 19:00 GMT.

In the crash in November 2004, seven people died and 130 people were injured.

There was another incident at the same spot in September last year, which was a near-miss between a train and a car.

Fatal collision at Ufton Nervet

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Reports have been confirmed of a fatal collision at Ufton Nervet.

British Transport Police say the incident involved a scooter and a train. The rider, who is believed to be a man in his forties, has died. There are not thought to be any other injuries.

The collision happened in the Ufton Lane vicinity where there was a serious incident in 2004.

Witness Nick Harborne, of Canal Experience Limited, said: "I heard a big bang and a lot of braking.

"I heard someone say that the train had derailed but it was not on its side. I don't know what it collided with."

Mr Harborne who was at the Kennet and Avon Canal mending a canal boat at the time said the crash happened at about 1.15pm.

He said: "Before I left there were lots of sirens, ambulances and police cars."

Trains between Reading and Thatcham are delayed and could be cancelled at short notice, according to First Great Western spokesman James Davis.

He added: "There isn't a rail replacement service in place at the moment but we're doing all we can to provide a service.

"There is a limited service between Newbury and Bedwyn calling at Kintbury and Hungerford."

Itv initially reported the train derailed

Reports coming in of a train derailment at Ufton Nervet in Berkshire

No, they initially reported it as:
There is a difference between that and "A train has derailed"

I am sorry to hear about this and all involved.

Was just wondering does anyone know the power cars on the set involved in the Ufton incident and Bristol Incident.

British Transport Police call for volunteers to promote rail safety in schools across the country

British Transport Police (BTP) is calling on volunteers to join a new scheme designed to educate children and spread the message of rail safety in schools nationwide.


BTP and Network Rail, in their commitment to ensure passenger safety on the railway, are reaching out to children and young people as they look for volunteers to help drive the importance of rail safety into schools in Bangor, Croydon, Darlington, Exeter, Gloucester, Leeds, Newcastle, Nottingham, Plymouth, Reading, Shrewsbury, Swansea, Truro, and Woking.

The Network Rail Safety Reps Scheme works as a preventative tool aimed at primary school children with key safety advice that will be utilised immediately and as they increase their independent travel at secondary school.

Volunteers would be asked to approach schools that would benefit from software materials designed to provide comprehensive lesson plans on rail safety. They will also be expected to give support and guidance in using the software and assist with evaluating at the end.

Teresa Bedziejewski, BTP^s Volunteer Manager said: ^This is a fantastic opportunity for members of the public to help deliver the message of rail safety to children across the country.

^A small number of pupils will act as rail safety reps, helping other children in their class to learn how to stay safe on the railway through a range of different activities including quizzes and competitions, art activities, history and transport competitions, along with maintaining a notice board filled with messages aimed at all year groups.

^It is a far more exciting approach which gets children involved in the subject and allows them to take responsibility for their own learning.^

Liz Heading, Network Rail^s community safety manager, said: ^Safety is at the forefront of everything we do and these volunteers will play a key role in our work to tell young people about the dangers on the railway.

^We believe it is important to provide younger children with the information that will allow them to use the railway safely as they grow up. By empowering school kids to educate their friends and fellow pupils, we are encouraging them to take an active role in their communities.^

Teresa Bedziejewski continued: ^We are always looking to develop our volunteers, and we hope to expand this opportunity so that eventually, more experienced volunteers will be equipped to provide rail safety talks to other volunteers.^

For more information about the scheme and for becoming a volunteer with British Transport Police contact Teresa Bedziejewski on 020 7521 6321 or email: teresa.bedziejewski@btp.pnn.police.uk.

To download an application form please click here - http://www.btp.police.uk/about_us/btp_in_the_community/volunteer_with_btp.aspx

Ufton Nervet rail death man was married father-of-two
A scooter rider hit and killed by a train at a Berkshire level crossing, was a married father-of-two, British Transport Police (BTP) have confirmed.

David Montague, 45, from Woodley, died on Tuesday at Ufton Nervet where seven people were killed when a train derailed in 2004.

BTP said the death of the father, whose children are aged nine and 11, was not suspicious.

A post mortem examination is expected to take place on Thursday.

The train involved was the 12:18 First Great Western service from Paddington to Taunton.

British Transport Police (BTP) said the man was hit by the train at Ufton Nervet at about 13:10 BST.

Rail services were disrupted for several hours, with replacement buses running between Reading and Newbury.

South Central Ambulance said the train driver was also treated at the scene.

Tributes to teacher David Montague

The cousin of a popular teacher whose scooter was hit by a train at Ufton Nervet says he has lost ^the nicest person you could ever ask to meet^.

David Montague, 45, a father of two from Woodley, was killed instantly when his silver Piaggio was struck by a high speed train on the level crossing on Tuesday lunchtime.

The Canadian had worked at Reading Blue Coat School in Sonning for six years, where he taught modern languages.

He began his teaching career at Reading Girls^ School in Whitley and joined the independent boys^ school in Sonning Lane in 2006.

Aaron Putman, who emailed getreading from Canada, was due to meet up with his cousin soon.

He said: ^I was really looking forward to catching up. If you knew David, he was the nicest person you could ever ask to meet.

^He was very giving of his time to his students and loved his family.^

Mr Putman said he was struggling to understand what had happened.

^From all the articles I am reading about this, it just doesn^t make sense,^ he said.

Staff and pupils past and present at Reading Blue Coat School have expressed their sorrow and sympathy.

Michael Windsor, headteacher at Reading Blue Coat, said: ^We are shocked and devastated to lose David, who was a well respected colleague and completely committed to his teaching.

^He always put the interest of his pupils first and showed great enthusiasm for his subject.

^He was a popular colleague and a very warm man and very much enjoyed the collegiate environment of the school.

^I spoke to his wife this morning to express my condolences to her and the family.^

Former Blue Coat pupil Adilet Adalbayev said: ^I remember in Grade Nine I was in bottom set French and our class^s attitude towards French was pathetic, However, his enthusiasm and drive to teach us was absolutely outstanding.

^He never gave up on us and for that I thank him.^

Viv Angus, headteacher of Reading Girls^ School, said: ^He was well respected by his colleagues and students and took a keen interest in extra curricular activities such as talent shows and school fairs.

^He was a lovely man who was very pleasant and a good sense of humour ^ he brought his wry Canadian humour with him.^

Mr Montague lived in a large semi-detached house in Welford Road with his wife and two children, aged nine and 11.

Angela Pani, 66, who lives two doors away, said: ^We never exchanged too much with them, but he was always a very charming chap.^

British Transport Police and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch are not treating the death as suspicious.

Overcrowding fears raised in wake of latest Ufton Nervet death
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THE danger of train overcrowding has reared its head again in the wake of another death at the Ufton Nervet crossing.

Newbury resident Ben Wood sent this picture to NewburyToday.co.uk having been caught up in the delays which occurred following the death of Woodley man David Montague at the Ufton Lane crossing last Tuesday.

^Shocking overcrowding on the 17.33 from Paddington to Paington. But don^t worry, the guard came on and assured us it was ^perfectly safe^. Thankfully we made it to Newbury in one piece,^ Mr Wood said.

First Great Western said there was little to connect the incident in 2004, the death on Tuesday, and the problem of overcrowded carriages, but re-iterated its stance that despite reports which proved that trains serving Newbury were among the most overcrowded in the country it had done more to improve safety and make extra space available for passengers.

A spokesman for the train operator, James Davis said buffet cars had been converted into carriages, and an extra 4,500 seats had been made available over services through Newbury and Reading to London Paddington.

Following last week^s incident at Ufton Nervet, the MP for Wokingham, John Redwood, repeated his calls for greater safety on trains and made the case for seatbelts, however local commuter groups have opposed the idea.

^When we had the proper report into the last train tragedy it was quite clear to me, many of the fatalities and injuries on the train occurred because people were thrown around inside the train by the very rapid braking and deceleration and I therefore still think we need seat belts,^ Mr Redwood said.

Railfuture Thames Valley branch spokesman Hugh Jaeger thanked Mr Redwood for caring about the safety of rail passengers but said rail was consistently found to be one of the safest modes of transport.

^Fitting and maintaining tens of thousands of seatbelts would cost many millions of pounds, but without significantly reducing casualties because they are extremely low already,^ he said.

^What good would seatbelts be on the many overcrowded trains on which hundreds of passengers have to stand?

Passengers would be far safer if there were enough extra coaches to give everyone a place to sit.^

Mr Jaeger said there were many other issues around the safety of the railways which needed attention.

The next release of statistics related to train overcrowding from the Office for Rail Regulation are scheduled for August.

Last week it emerged that Network Rail has been fined ^150,000 following the death of a track maintenance worker and the serious injury of another in two incidents in the Thames Valley region in 2007 and 2008.

Union RMT called for the Government to halt the job cuts at the core of the report by Sir Roy McNulty into rail efficiency and how to increase profits.

The McNulty Review called for the closure of 750 small station booking offices around the UK, which included those at Thatcham, Theale, Pangbourne, Goring, Reading West and Tilehurst.

'Level crossings on the railway network are safe - unless they are used in an unsafe manner.'

Certainly one exception which was the non-functioning barriers at Ufton Nervot previously. Although RAIB haven't yet published their report.

The RAIB's preliminary investigation found that the level crossing was being controlled locally at the time of the incident. The person controlling the crossing had not received any instruction to lower the barriers before the train arrived.

Piece of opinion in the NWN about the crossing.

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NETWORK Rail is investigating possible changes to the Ufton Nervet level crossing in the wake of several deaths at the notorious spot since the 2004 disaster.

A spokesman for the railway authority, Chris Denham, said it was carrying out a survey and could not rule out any possible changes to the crossing, including the possibility of a bridge being built or a full barrier being installed.

^The only thing we can rule out is the crossing being closed,^ he said.

^We welcome the input of local people and understand their concerns, which is why we are looking at different options and doing this survey.^

There are three options open to Network Rail should it wish to modify any crossing, it can close it, build a bridge across, or place full barriers.

It is not a full consultation, however West Berkshire Council will have some input into the survey.

Network Rail said the local feeling was to keep the crossing open as it provides a vital transport link around the county, and by ruling out closure it looks like changes will finally be brought in following the high-profile tragedies which put Ufton Nervet in the national spotlight.

In June the rail industry refused to buckle over calls to make alterations to the level crossing despite another death at the notorious spot last week.

Following the tragic events of November 2004 when seven people died and hundreds were injured after a train hit a car parked across the tracks and several other deaths and near misses in the intervening years, on Tuesday, teacher David Montague, a 45-year-old father of two, from Woodley, was killed when his scooter was hit by a high speed train.

A survivor of the 2004 crash, Jane Hakwer, from Newbury, called for a full barrier to be installed at the crossing to prevent vehicles driving on to the tracks when a train approaches.

The Newbury Weekly News and website Newburytoday.co.uk was contacted by several other people who asked for the same change to be made.

Anyone who wishes to add their voice is advised to contact the Network Rail helpline on 08457 114141.

A grieving widow described how she gave her husband a kiss and said 'Goodbye' to him on the morning he was killed on a level crossing in Ufton Nervet.

Coroner Anna Burnside recorded an open verdict at an inquest in Newbury today into the death of David Montague, 45, of Welford Road, Woodley.

Tributes to teacher David Montague

Mr Montague was a popular modern language teacher at Reading Blue Coat School in Sonning.

His wife Susan told the coroner he had been feeling unwell and she presumed he was going to stay at home that day.

She left for work at around 9.15am on May 22 this year, kissing him goodbye.

He was killed on the level crossing when he was hit by a train while still on his scooter at around 1.05pm that day.

Mrs Montague said her husband had been a learner on the scooter for many years, but she had never seen him drive it.

Motorist Christopher Fox following a scooter at 12.40pm said in a statement he saw a scooter driver begin to go around the level crossing barriers which were down, then looked over shoulder, saw the car behind and stopped.

Mr Fox reported what he had seen after he heard later in the day someone had been killed on the crossing.

Driver of the Paddington to Taunton train Ryan Howe in a statement described how he saw a man with a scooter on the line ahead of him.

He said: "He was moving the handlebars in a vigorous motion as if he was stuck between the tracks."

As he braked, Mr Howe said he was shouting "get off the bike, get off the bike."

A post accident review revealed there were no faults at the level crossing and no evidence the scooter was stuck in the tracks. Mr Montague died from multiple injuries.

An examination of the scooter found it was not faulty.

Ms Burnside said there were "certain events in Mr Montague's own life which were not enough to convince me that he took his own life."

She went on: "There is not enough evidence to convince me that he has deliberately taken his own life. The only verdict open to me is an open verdict."

A PETITION to install a full width barrier and CCTV camera at the Ufton Nervet crossing is to be presented to West Berkshire Council.

Mortimer councillor Geoff Mayes (Lib Dem) will be proposing the motion to a full meeting of the council on Thursday.

It was created following the death of moped rider David Montague, aged 45, from Reading, in May.

Hungerford resident Simon Hudson began the online petition stating: ^In 2004 the Ufton Nervet rail crash disaster killed seven and again this year in May another person died, we must get Network Rail to commit to improving this precarious situation.

^As it stands there is only a half width barrier, this means that some pedestrians and vehicles will try to pass around the barrier endangering both themselves and the train.

^To solve this problem and ensure that it does not happen again we propose a full width barrier that would stop people going around the barriers is installed. If CCTV is installed it would be linked to the signal box so that the operator can check whether the crossing is clear before dropping the barriers.

^This action should make the crossing safer for all rail and road users in the future,^ Mr Mayes said.

Seven people died in the crash in November 2004, and another 130 were left injured when the train hit a car parked over the tracks and derailed.

The Rail Accident Investigation Board is still looking into a near miss last September between a train and a car at the crossing.

'Deadly' level crossing to be replaced with bridge

The most notorious level crossing in the country is to be replaced by a bridge, Network Rail announced today.

Ufton Nervet on the main Paddington line to the West of England is to be torn down and rebuilt after a series of derailments and deaths.

In November 2004 a First Great Western Paddington to Plymouth express collided at 100 mph with a car on the crossing; eight carriages were derailed and six people, including train driver Stan Martin died with 11 seriously injured.

Brian Drysdale, the car driver, also perished. An inquest concluded the chef from nearby Reading had committed suicide by parking his vehicle on the crossing.

In May this year David Montague, also from Reading, died when he was hit by a train while on his scooter.

National Rail (NR) does not own the land by the crossing and planning and highways consent will be required. It will now work closely with land owners, the local authority and residents.

Patrick Hallgate,  NR route managing director, said: "We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make changes at Ufton Nervet as part of our plans to resignal and electrify the line.  It is our view that we have a very strong case to close the crossing and replace it with a road bridge."

The crossing, between Theale and Aldermaston, only has half barriers making it easier for cars to get across when the barriers are down.

Network Rail aims to replace Ufton Nervet level crossing with a road bridge

After months of careful examination, Network Rail has announced that its preferred option for replacing a level crossing in Ufton Nervet will be a bridge. Patrick Hallgate, Network Rail route managing director, said: ^We have a once-in-a generation opportunity to make changes at Ufton Nervet as part of our plans to resignal and electrify the line."

The crossing is due to be renewed and Network Rail has studied the feasibility of all the options available including replacing the crossing with a road bridge, an underpass or installing full-barriers. The company's preferred choice is to close the crossing and replace it with a bridge as this option eliminates all risk.

The company will work closely with land owners, the local authority and residents to take this preferred option forward. It does not own the land by the crossing and planning and highways consent will be required.

Patrick Hallgate, Network Rail route managing director, said: ^We have a once-in-a generation opportunity to make changes at Ufton Nervet as part of our plans to re-signal and electrify the line.

"It is our view that we have a strong case to close the crossing and replace it with a road bridge. Every crossing that we close removes the risk of a person or vehicle being struck by a train and improves safety for everyone on the railway and for those who travel across it.

^Closing a level crossing is not an easy process and it is not something that we can do alone. To make this happen, we will need the support of land owners, the local authority and local people. We will look to their support as we look to continue improving safety and upgrading the rail network for the future."

Ufton Nervet level crossing is located between Aldermaston and Theale and in the last few months Network Rail has examined a number of options for it. Network Rail is funded to provide a like-for-like replacement at this location and to build a road bridge it will need to secure additional funding.

Network Rail considered the following options:

(i) Closing the crossing and replacing it with a road bridge
This is Network Rail^s preferred choice. The land surrounding the crossing is open farmland, making it possible to build a road bridge at this site. Every time a path or the road meets the railway there is a risk and Network Rail considers that a bridge at this location would improve safety and eliminate this risk. Although the annual cost of maintaining a road bridge and a full-barrier crossing are similar, the life span of a bridge is much longer than a level crossing, strengthening the case for this option.

(ii) Installing a full barrier crossing at Ufton Nervet
This option would enhance safety and is less expensive to install than a road bridge. While there is still a crossing, a level of risk remains and that is why Network Rail^s preferred option is to close it and replace the crossing with a bridge.

(iii) Closing the crossing and replacing it with an underpass
Providing an underpass would have similar safety benefits to a bridge, but it is considered that this scheme would incur considerably higher costs than the other available options. The crossing is close to the river and canal which means that the underpass would need to be designed to eliminate the flood risk, therefore the costs of this option would be grossly disproportionate to the benefits. It would not provide the best value for money.

The next step for Network Rail is to develop the bridge plan further, including looking at land purchase, designs and funding.

Anger over rail firm’s bridge decision at Ufton Nervet

---

A WEST Berkshire councillor who started a petition calling on Network Rail to improve safety at Ufton Nervet level-crossing has lambasted the rail company for proposing to replace the crossing with a bridge.

The half-barrier level-crossing has been the site of a number of deaths in recent years. Seven people died at the crossing in 2004 after a train hit a car parked across the tracks.

Then, in June 2009, 67-year-old Thomas Porter, of Reading, committed suicide by jumping in front of an oncoming train, followed by another death in January 2010 when a man was struck by a train.

Finally, in May, David Montague, of Woodley was killed when his scooter was hit by a train while the barriers were down.

Geoff Mayes (Lib Dem, Mortimer) collected more than 340 names on his petition calling on Network Rail to install a full barrier and CCTV at the site, but earlier this month the rail firm announced it would replace the crossing with a bridge.

Mr Mayes said: “While meeting our demands for increased safety at the half-barrier level-crossing, a bridge is not the practical solution to the problem that we had recommended.

“We asked for a full barrier gated crossing linked to the signal controller by CCTV. If, as Network Rail makes clear, the existing equipment is due for replacement, then the full barrier replacement crossing should be cost-effective and achievable in the near future.

“A bridge will be considerably more expensive, no source of funding has been identified and it would take far longer to design and construct.

“The bridge would need to be 7.25 metres above track levels to give the clearance for the new electrified train service, and would dominate a flat rural area in the River Kennet flood plain.

“The resulting hump-backed design would be dangerous for road traffic and pedestrians walking down Ufton Lane, even if the new bridge included a footway.”

Network Rail route managing director Patrick Hallgate said that the imminent electrification of the Great Western main line had provided the rail company with a “once-in-a generation” opportunity to replace the crossing with a bridge.

“It’s true that installing a full-barrier crossing would enhance safety and be less expensive to install than a road bridge – however, while there is still a crossing, a level of risk remains and that is why Network Rail’s preferred option is to replace the crossing with a bridge.

“To make this happen, we will need the support of landowners, the local authority and local people.

“Every crossing that we close removes the risk of a person or vehicle being struck by a train and improves safety for everyone on the railway and for those who travel across it,” Mr Hallgate added.

Network Rail is currently investigating and purchase, designs and funding for the new bridge.

Ufton Nervet death crash rail crossing bridge plan

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Seven people were killed at Ufton Nervet when their train hit a parked car in November 2004

Network Rail in Berkshire is planning to erect a bridge in place of a rail crossing where eight people have died.

Residents have long called for action to be taken to improve the crossing at Ufton Nervet.

In 2004 a train derailed killing seven, and in May this year a man on a moped died on the level crossing.

Network Rail said a bridge was the preferred option but it would depend on planning and highways consent as it did not own the land. But it said it was proceeding with the bridge plan in the meantime, looking at land purchase, designs and funding.

Jane Hawker from Newbury, who was in the 2004 crash, said: "I would be very pleased to think that a bridge would be built."

To replace the crossing, between Aldermaston and Theale, the company said it would also need to secure additional funding.

Memorial garden

Patrick Hallgate, Network Rail route managing director, said: "We have a once-in-a generation opportunity to make changes at Ufton Nervet as part of our plans to re-signal and electrify the line.

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/63127000/jpg/_63127458_img_0761.jpg)
A man died at the crossing in May and last year there was a near-miss between a train and a car

"It is our view that we have a strong case to close the crossing and replace it with a road bridge. Every crossing that we close removes the risk of a person or vehicle being struck by a train and improves safety for everyone on the railway and for those who travel across it."

Hugh Jaegar, of the campaign group Railfuture, who has previously said Network Rail was was not acting fast enough to improve safety at the site, welcomed the decision. He said: "This will prevent any more tragedies at Ufton Nervet like those of 2004 and 2012."

A bridge would cost more to build but much less to operate and had advantages for both rail and road users, Mr Jaeger added. "Network Rail would be able to upgrade the Newbury line for trains to run faster, and as passenger and freight demand increases the line can carry more trains without affecting road traffic."

He said he hoped the memorial garden beside the crossing, which commemorates the victims of the 2004 crash, would still have a place within the design for the new bridge.

Summary

At 12:28 hours on Sunday 4 September 2011, the 11:13 hrs train from London Paddington to Bedwyn went over Ufton level crossing at a speed of 61 mph (98 km/h) while the barriers were in the raised position and the red road traffic signals were not flashing. A car approaching the crossing had to stop suddenly to avoid a collision. Engineering work meant that the equipment which normally operated the crossing automatically had been disabled and the crossing barriers and lights were being operated by an attendant located at the crossing.

The incident occurred because a signaller did not carry out the rules requiring him to speak with the attendant and the train driver so that the barriers were lowered and the train approached the crossing at low speed. It is probable that these omissions were a result of a lapse and the signaller being overloaded by activities that he was required to undertake in connection with the engineering work and the resumption of passenger services after completion of this work. It is possible that the signaller actions were affected by shortcomings in the presentation of information on the display screens used at his workstation. Inadequate consideration of signallers^ workload associated with engineering work is considered a probable underlying cause.

The RAIB has made seven recommendations addressed to Network Rail. Five directly relate to the incident and cover presentation of information on display screens used by signallers; the introduction of an interface intended to remind signallers to take appropriate precautions when automatic crossings are being controlled by attendants; and consideration of signallers^ workload when planning engineering work. Two recommendations, based on observations made during the investigation, relate to the positioning and removal of the red flags and red lights used by level crossing attendants to stop trains.

Ufton Nervet level crossing changes 'overdue'

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Seven people died at Ufton Nervet when a train hit a parked car in 2004

The Office of Rail Regulation says changes to a level crossing where eight people have died need urgent attention.

Seven people were killed in a crash at Ufton Nervet in 2004 and another person died there in May last year.

A proposed road bridge is yet to be built but Network Rail says it is in the process of finding a "solution".

The Office of Rail Regulation's chief executive, Richard Price, said: "Nine years since a tragic accident is an awfully long time to wait for action."

Ufton Nervet level crossing, in Berkshire, was earmarked to be replaced by a road bridge following support from the local council last November. But negotiations to purchase land are still taking place.

A Network Rail spokesman said: "At present, discussions around land acquisition and design are progressing simultaneously as the two are mutually linked. However, early indications show a solution is likely to be confirmed in the new year."

Network Rail said it had been liaising with West Berkshire Council on a timescale to build the proposed bridge.

Mr Price said the crossing was a "high-priority case" for Network Rail. "Network Rail has been under pressure to improve the speed at which it acts around planning and land acquisition," he said. "Impatience at the speed in which these things are resolved is perfectly understandable."

Local MP John Redwood called the delay "deeply disappointing", but admitted he was not surprised.

The Office of Rail Regulation has announced additional funding to close around 500 level crossings and improve safety at hundreds more.

Man dies at Ufton Nervet level crossing

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Ufton Nervet level crossing was the scene of a crash in 2004 in which six people died

A man has been struck by a train and killed at a Berkshire level crossing.

The First Great Western route between Reading and Newbury was shut after the incident at Ufton Nervet level crossing near Theale at 18:50 BST.

The man was killed on the same stretch of track where a train derailed in 2004 when it hit a car parked at the crossing. Six people died.

Network Rail said the incident was not suspicious and trains would be delayed by up to an hour until 22:00 BST.

Since the crash 10 years ago, there have been three further deaths and two near-misses on the same crossing.

Survivors of the crash have called for the crossing to be replaced by a bridge.

Network Rail said in 2012 a bridge was its "preferred solution" to reduce risk at Ufton Nervet.

Ufton Nervet level crossing crash victim dies

A man has been struck by a train and killed at a Berkshire level crossing.

The First Great Western route between Reading and Newbury was shut after the incident at Ufton Nervet level crossing near Theale at 18:50 BST.

The man was killed on the same stretch of track where a train derailed in 2004 when it hit a car parked at the crossing, leaving six dead.

The BBC's Question Time panel, who were travelling to Newbury, were among those caught in the ensuing delays. But the guests, including Secretary of State for Health Jeremy Hunt, MP Angela Eagle and MP Menzies Campbell, arrived in time for the programme.

Network Rail said the incident was not being treated as suspicious.

Since the crash 10 years ago, there have been three further deaths and two near-misses on the same crossing.

Survivors of the crash have called for the crossing to be replaced by a bridge.

Network Rail said in 2012 a bridge was its "preferred solution" to reduce the risk at the site.

Ufton Nervet level crossing: 'Urgent action' needed

An Ufton Nervet train crash survivor has called for "urgent action" after another person was killed at the "notorious" level crossing.

A man killed at the Berkshire crossing on Thursday is the third person to die there since a 2004 crash that killed seven people.

Jane Hawker, who was injured in that crash, said action was needed to "stop this appalling repetition".

Network Rail said it was trying to find funding for a bridge at Ufton Nervet. Spokesman Julian Burnell said a bridge design had been completed but it will cost "significantly more than anticipated". He said a bridge is the company's "preferred option", but unless funding is found the only option may be to make changes to the existing crossing.

On 6 November 2004, a train driver and five passengers died, and 120 others were injured, when local chef Brian Drysdale parked his car on the Ufton Nervet level crossing in the path of an intercity train.

Ms Hawker, from Newbury, who received minor injuries in the crash, said it was a "notorious" crossing because this was the latest of three deaths since the disaster. That should give Network Rail even more reason to take action urgently to stop this appalling repetition," she said.

Network Rail has said the latest death is not being treated as suspicious.

In October last year Network Rail said it was in the process of finding a solution for the crossing, which is between Theale and Aldermaston stations in Berkshire, and said it had been working with West Berkshire Council on a timescale to build a bridge.

Mr Burnell said negotiations had continued with landowners, local communities and the local authority. "That another incident of this nature should happen at this point is a tragedy, but serves to underline the necessity of Network Rail's programme of closing level crossings," he said.

More than 750 level crossing have been closed over the past five years.

Ufton Nervet 2004 rail crash: Bridge being built at crossing

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Seven people died at Ufton Nervet when a train hit a parked car in 2004

Work to build a bridge over a level crossing 10 years after a train crash that killed seven people will start "very shortly", Network Rail has said.

Another four people have died at the Ufton Nervet crossing in Berkshire since the 2004 tragedy, which also left 120 others injured.

Mick Cash, of the RMT union, said it was "impossible to believe" all safety changes had not already been made.

Network Rail said other improvements were in place.

'A constant reminder'

The crash, involving a London-to-Plymouth First Great Western service, happened when the train collided with a car that had been deliberately driven onto the automatic half-barrier level crossing.

Those killed included the driver of the car, chef Brian Drysdale, 48, of Reading, and the driver of the train, Stanley Martin, 54, from Torquay.

The latest death was last month, when Gary Provins, 60, from Calcot, was struck by a train and killed at the crossing. Police said his death was not being treated as suspicious.

Network Rail said safety measures had been implemented, including moving the points that were involved in the derailment of the train in 2004 and emergency communication improvements.

It said the investment into the modernisation of the Great Western Main Line has provided access to the funding needed to build the bridge.

Mr Cash said: "Ufton Nervet serves as a constant reminder of the ever-present danger of mixing road with rail and RMT will continue to campaign for the speed-up of the phasing out of level crossings and their replacement."

Network Rail has closed more than 800 crossings in the past five years and has agreed to close another 500 by 2019.

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/78294000/jpg/_78294801_uftonnervet.jpg)
The last death at Ufton Nervet level crossing took place in October

Out of curiosity does anyone know how much NR expect a bridge to cost ?

It went up from ^3m to ^9m - from BBC South Today interview just now.

Heaven knows how much it will go up to if its reported in the daily mail tomorrow - not that they are prone to exaggerate :)

Network Rail estimates that replacing level crossings with bridges costs on average ^1m.

Plans to change the level crossing in Ufton Nervet where a collision with a car in 2004 led to a devastating train crash are to go on show later this month.

http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/ufton-nervet-level-crossing-network-9047931 (http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/ufton-nervet-level-crossing-network-9047931)

Thanks for posting this. I remember this crash as it is fairly local to me and recall the sound of many emergency vehicles attending the accident although we didn't realise what had happened at the time.
If I am free I may go and have a look.

BBC has an article on the new bridge.  From the picture, it looks as if it has been designed to fit into the local environment quite well.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-32380510 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-32380510)

Work to replace a Berkshire level crossing where seven people died in a crash 12 years ago has started.
Eleven people have died at the Ufton Nervet crossing since 2004 when a motorist parked his car in the path of an oncoming train.
Construction of a bridge has now started following years of campaigners calling for the crossing's removal.
Network Rail has faced criticism in the past for not starting the work sooner.
A memorial garden dedicated to those who died has been already been moved as part of works to erect a bridge at the site.
Members of a survivors' group - 140 people were injured in the 2004 crash - have attended a ground-breaking ceremony to mark the start of construction.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-36071026

BBC South Today just ran a lead story on today's commencement of work on the Ufton Nervet bridge.

Latest cost quoted as ^7 million.

No real explanation of the reasons for the time taken to get this far, but should be available on iPlayer.

Paul

... earthworks started last week.