Some more highlights from the application ...
The existing path, known as West 15/16, including the section over the level crossing (LC▸ ) (referred to by Network Rail as Penleigh Park FP level crossing), is currently open to the public.
The last routine level crossing risk assessment carried out by NR» in August 2023 recorded a very high number of daily crossings, an average of 203.
This assessment was carried out post the redevelopment of the location. Until recently the crossing was rural on one side of the line, attracting only occasional use with leisure walkers and small amounts of commuters from Westbury. It is now a fully urban location both sides of the crossing are built with residential buildings up to the railway boundary.
The alternative route for the walking public would be via Oldfield Road, Bridge Court, Station Road, Amazon Way and vice versa, which is approximately an additional 1km journey. The alternative route from point to point is shown on Plan 2.
Network Rail have stated in their extinguishment application that there is now a serious risk of fatality If the level crossing is not closed. Network Rail’s assessment of safety concerns include the following:
• The level crossing has a very high number of daily crossings as it provides the most convenient access from the new housing development towards Westbury Town, local amenities, including the schools, shops, parks and recreation ground.
• The level crossing is located on the Westbury Avoiding Line which provides a faster link for trains.
• Network Rail is aware that the crossing is used by vulnerable and encumbered users deemed by Network Rail not be able to use the crossing with the same degree of awareness and safety as other users, the risk assessment modifies the time these users take to cross by 50%.
• Network Rail is also aware of misuse of the crossing.
• The crossing is already at the highest level of protection, therefore without the construction of a bridge no additional mitigation can be provided.
With the development and the crossing where it is, sure as eggs is eggs crossing use numbers were bound to increase. There was a bridge at the top of the new development in plans but somehow that's not been built. It would NOT have been a total alternative, mind you.
I would totally agree that the current situation is a significant risk. Rather arrogantly Network Rail suggest they cannot provide extra protection - surely they could provide worked barriers as in Poole. They could of course make it safer by reducing trains speeds, but they ain't going to do that, are they - they say they can't.
What a mess ... it's not quite making 200 people each walk an extra 1km per day, but certainly significant inconvenience. It strikes me that Network Rail really don't like providing bridges and will dodge and reduce facilities which don't generate them much income where they can. Where else have they done that? BUT - it really shouldn't be left "as is".
£5,000,000 pounds for a footbridge to replace the crossing
Ridiculous. Someone mentioned it's a railway job, that's automatically an additional zero added!
All the houses they've built around Penleigh Park LC though, surely improvements to the crossing should have formed part of the developers planning application and funded by them.
Totally agree that it should have been worked out as the houses were being planned for.
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