Sad death of Shirley Pope, 82, and her dog, hit by train on foot crossing at Pewsey, Feb 2025

[whole diary]

[ChrisB]

But of course, if the railway hadn't been there in the first place....bit of a silly item.

[hoover50]

https://www.newvalleynews.co.uk/news/outstanding-member-of-the-community-dies-after-being-hit-by-a-train-inquest-report/

This was such a tragic death which could have been avoided.

Network Rail urgently need to fix the bridge AND improve safety at the rail crossing which has no warning lights or sirens despite having very limited visibility.

I often use this crossing and express trains from Paddington come hurtling round the corner at 100mph. Once you see a train you have only three seconds to cross over. Trains should sound their horn on approach to the crossing, but they don't always do so.

A few updates I've noticed at this location in recent days:
1) Work is now progressing to get the bridge replaced
2) Trains are now sounding their horn more often, using both tones instead of one
3) A 40mph TSR^▸ (Temporary Speed Restriction)/ESR^▸ (Emergency Speed Restriction (see also EROS)) is now in place for trains in the down direction, ending just after the crossing

[hoover50]

The RAIB^▸ (Rail Accident Investigation Branch) have now published their report into this tragic incident.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69fc45508cc72d2f863ea57b/R052026_260507_Pewsey.pdf

[Chris from Nailsea]

Thanks for that update here, hoover50.

CfN^▸ (Chris from Nailsea, an administrator on this forum).