Anger over rail firms bridge decision at Ufton Nervet
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.
