Pedestrian rail crossing set to close for new gates

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The pedestrian level crossing at Wareham provides the only step-free access across the railway line - Image © Dorset Council

A pedestrian railway crossing connecting two halves of a Dorset town is set to shut while its gates are replaced.

Dorset Council said the crossing at Wareham Station needed a full replacement gate system "before it potentially fails without warning". The only alternative to the crossing is a nearby footbridge accessed via steps.

Gates were installed at the pedestrian crossing after Network Rail reported a high number of people ignoring danger signals. The council pays £120,000 a year for crossing attendants to open the gates between 06:00 and midnight.

The crossing will be closed from Monday 11 May until Friday 22 May with a diversion route in place.

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Dorset Council pays £120,000 a year for crossing attendants to be at the gates for safety reasons - Image © Google

Dorset Council said it appreciated the closure would be "frustrating", especially since the crossing was closed earlier this year for repairs.

The authority said: "As this work involves removing the existing gates and installing a completely new system, it cannot be completed more quickly or in stages. We know the nearby footbridge is not suitable for everyone, but we hope that by sharing this information now, it gives everyone time to plan ahead and make alternative arrangements to cross the railway line during the closure."